Fibre vs DSL: The End of an Era
Why copper is dead. A look at why Telkom is phasing out ADSL and why you must move to fibre.
Fibre vs DSL: Why the Copper Network is Dead
Executive Summary
For two decades, ADSL (over copper telephone lines) was the backbone of the South African internet. But in 2025, that era has officially ended. Telkom and other providers are actively decommissioning the copper network due to high maintenance costs and rampant cable theft. If you are still on DSL, you are on a sinking ship. This guide explains why fibre is the only logical successor.
Why DSL is Being Phased Out
- Cable Theft: Copper is valuable, and South Africa's telephone lines are a constant target for thieves. Fibre optic cable (glass) has no resale value.
- Maintenance: Copper lines degrade over time, especially when it rains. Fibre is immune to water and electrical interference.
- Speed Limits: ADSL maxes out at 20Mbps (and usually delivers much less). Fibre starts at 50Mbps and goes up to 10,000Mbps.
- Distance: With DSL, the further you are from the exchange, the slower your speed. Fibre maintains full speed over much longer distances.
Comparison: Fibre vs. ADSL
| Feature | ADSL / VDSL | Fibre |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 20 - 40 Mbps | 10,000 Mbps |
| Reliability | Low (Weather/Theft) | Very High |
| Upload Speed | Very Low (1Mbps) | High (Symmetrical) |
| Phone Line Needed? | Yes (Extra cost) | No |
| Lightning Risk | High | None |
The "Hidden" Saving of Fibre
With ADSL, you had to pay for a monthly "Telkom Line Rental" just to have the internet. With fibre, there is no line rental. The price you see is the price you pay. This often means that a 50Mbps fibre line is actually cheaper than a 10Mbps ADSL line once you factor in the line rental.
Practical Checklist: Moving from Copper to Light
- Check for Openserve Coverage: If you had ADSL, you are likely in an area covered by Openserve Fibre.
- Don't Wait for the Cut-off: Telkom is switching off exchanges every month. Switch now to avoid a sudden loss of internet.
- Keep your Number: You can "port" your old 011 or 021 landline number to a VoIP service over your new fibre line.
- Check your Hardware: Your old ADSL modem will not work with fibre. You will need a new WAN-enabled router (usually provided free by your new ISP).
Next Steps
Join the modern age of connectivity.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my Telkom landline?
Yes, but not as a physical copper line. You can 'port' the number to a VoIP provider, and you'll use a special phone that plugs into your fibre router.
Is fibre more expensive than ADSL?
No. Once you remove the Telkom line rental fee, fibre is almost always cheaper and much faster.
What happens to the old copper wires?
In most cases, they are simply left in the ground or on the poles until they are eventually removed or stolen. They serve no purpose once you have fibre.
Next Steps
Ready to put this knowledge into practice? Use our tools to find the best fibre connection for your home or office.