New place? Here’s how to check Fibre before you move in

You’ve got the boxes, the bubble wrap, and the helpful friend with the bakkie lined up. Moving is stressful, but moving without internet? That’s the kind of headache nobody wants.

Whether you’re buying your first home, signing a new lease, or relocating for work, there’s a lot on your checklist: school catchment areas, traffic, nearby shops. But somewhere between “measure the curtains” and “find the nearest petrol station”, you need to add another line: check the fibre .

Too many South Africans unpack their first box only to discover fibre isn’t available - or worse, that the wait to get connected makes “next month” sound optimistic. The good news? It’s one of the easiest things to check before you move.

Why Fibre availability should be on your moving checklist

You’d never move into a new place without checking the water pressure, testing the plug points, or making sure the gate actually closes. So why roll the dice on your internet connection?

Here’s why fibre deserves a starring role on your pre-move checklist:

• just because the suburb has fibre doesn’t mean your unit does. That’s like assuming every street with a Woolies also has parking.

• it’s pricier, slower, and often capped just when you’re mid-stream in a season finale.

• streaming, Zoom meetings, online classes, gaming, smart home devices - they all need a stable connection.

If you work from home, run a small business, or have teenagers who treat bandwidth like oxygen, fibre isn’t a “nice-to-have”. It’s a lifeline. Without it, you’re either burning through mobile data at terrifying speeds or spending more time at coffee shops than your own couch.

Not every home is fibre-ready — what are your Plan-B options? Read more from our fast internet blog

How to check Fibre coverage, the easy way

Sure, you could phone around, trawl ISP websites, or squint at questionable coverage maps. But there’s a much simpler way: Hippo’s free fibre tool. Here’s how to make it work for you:

• Head to the Fibre section at Fibre Deals

• Pop in your new address or suburb

• Instantly see what’s live in your area, complete with network and provider details

• Compare packages, speeds, and pricing side by side

• Pick the one that fits your needs and get connected fast

No spammy sign-ups and no “we’ll call you back” promises that never arrive. Just a clear, instant view of your internet options before you even start packing.

Smart tips before you say yes to the lease (Or deed)

Even if the coverage checker gives you a green light, a few extra checks can save you a lot of hassle:

• Ask the landlord or agent - is the building fibre-ready, or does it just look like it could be?

• Look for an ONT (optical network terminal) - if there’s already one in the wall, setup will be much quicker.

• Check if it’s pre-installed and active - in some complexes, fibre is already included in the rent or levy.

• How to Boost Your Home Wi-Fi – Read more: boosters/mesh explained for new layouts

These quick questions can prevent weeks of hotspotting off your phone and explaining to your boss why your camera’s off “to save bandwidth”.

Don’t let bad internet slow down your new start

Moving is already a juggling act without throwing “wait for the internet to be installed” into the mix.

The easiest win is to check your fibre before you move. With Hippo’s fibre coverage tool, you’ll know exactly what’s available at your new address, which providers you can choose from, and how soon you can get online.

You wouldn’t move in without running the taps or checking the lights work. So don’t sign that lease or hand over that deposit without making sure your internet is ready too.

Click over to hippo.co.za today and run a quick fibre check - it takes less than a minute and could save you weeks of frustration. Your future self (and your Netflix watchlist) will thank you.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice. Coverage terms, pricing, and availability may vary. Always review policy documents carefully and confirm current pricing with suppliers before making any decisions.