Africazine:
Smaller fibre network operators in South Africa are outperforming established players in service quality ratings.
The latest perception survey from the Internet Service Providers’ Association reveals that smaller operators scored impressively, with Lightspeed leading at 7.1 out of 10. The survey, conducted in February 2026, included 406 ratings from 45 ISPs, a notable increase from 355 ratings the previous year.
Smaller Operators Shine in Latest ISP Survey
In the recent survey, Lightspeed topped the ratings among smaller fibre network operators, achieving a score of 7.1. Open Fibre and Lightstruck followed closely, each scoring 7.0. Evotel and Seacom FibreCo both received scores of 6.9, while WeCom scored 6.6. These scores indicate a strong performance compared to the established networks.
Octotel maintained its position as the highest-rated network with a score of 7.5, while Openserve scored 6.5. The average score across all networks was 6.2, highlighting the competitive landscape in South Africa’s internet service sector.
Insights from the ISP Ratings
The survey results reflect the growing recognition of smaller operators in the market. Ispa spokesman Ant Brooks emphasized the importance of these ratings, suggesting that potential investors and ISPs should pay attention to the emerging fibre networks. The ratings serve as a proxy for service quality reaching consumers, as ISPs evaluate the networks they use based on various metrics.
Among the metrics assessed were reliability, technical proficiency, and staff friendliness. These factors remain crucial for ISPs when choosing which networks to partner with, and the results indicate that smaller operators are making significant strides in these areas.
Future Outlook for Fibre Networks
- Smaller operators are expected to continue improving their service offerings.
- ISPs will likely reassess their partnerships based on these ratings.
- Continued focus on customer service and technical support is essential for all operators.
Smaller fibre networks are proving their worth in South Africa’s competitive internet landscape.
