In the technological era we live in, internet access has become an essential element of everyday life. Whether it is for work, study, communicating with loved ones, or simply staying informed, it would be difficult to imagine living at home without internet access
You just built a house and are looking forward to installing internet access? While it may seem intimidating and complicated, we can help you choose the type of connection you need and which providers to turn to.
Better understanding the jargon
It can be difficult to navigate the internet universe without knowing some key terms. ADSL, fiber optics, Wi-Fi... What are they?
- ADSL - This connection technology uses telephone lines to provide high-speed internet access. The speed offered will depend on the distance between your home and the nearest telephone exchange.
- Fiber optics - This connection technology uses optical fibers to transport data at very high speeds. It is an ideal option for those who need a very fast and stable connection.
- Wireless networks - It is also possible to connect to the internet via wireless networks such as Wi-Fi, 3G/4G, or satellite. Mobile phone operators offer subscriptions with internet plans, as well as 3G/4G keys for high-speed internet access.
- Alternative internet service providers - There are also alternative internet service providers who offer innovative and attractive plans. Among them, we can mention Parabole Maurice and its SKY88 decoder which uses parabolic technology to provide high-speed internet access.
Mauritian providers
As for telecommunications service providers in Mauritius, it should be noted that there is a fairly limited selection of providers on the market. The three main providers are my.t, Emtel, and Chili.
These providers offer a variety of options to meet the needs and requirements of customers. If you wish to subscribe to their services, simply go to one of their showrooms with an identity document, proof of address, and, in some cases, your bank account number.
My.t, a subsidiary of Mauritius Telecom, is considered the market leader. Mauritius Telecom is the country’s leading provider of fixed, mobile, and IPTV services, offering a wide range of innovative solutions for individuals, businesses, and the state under the unique my.t brand. For households, my.t offers various fiber optic packages, including 10 MB (30mbps) at Rs 499, 10 MB (150mbps) at Rs 799, and 20 MB (1TB) at Rs 1100. It should be noted that installation fees amount to Rs 1500 and a deposit of Rs 1000 is required. Installation is carried out within one week of signing the contract.
Emtel Ltd, Mauritius’ leading mobile phone operator, is a formidable competitor. It offers a variety of products and services for individuals, businesses, and households. In 2015, Emtel launched Airbox, which provides unlimited internet access through a 4G wifi box. Although it does not offer fiber optic connectivity at home, Emtel offers a 5G wifi box with different internet plans ranging from 10mbps at Rs 984, 20mbps at Rs 1249, and 30mbps at Rs 1484 for the 4G range. The 5G 40mbps costs Rs 1200, the 100mbps costs Rs 1600, while the 190mbps is offered at Rs 1800. Deposits for these plans are Rs 1000 for 4G and Rs 1500 for a 5G connection. With plug and play technology, the internet connection is instantaneous.
Finally, we deem necessary to mention Chilli, launched in 2011. Chili provides a large variety of choices, ranging from 3G to 4G LTE thanks to its C-Wingle. The latter has a double 3G connection and is available at Rs 1500. It can directly be connected to a computer via USB and can link up to 10 devices. The C-wingle version with an electric charger can be connected with 32 devices and is available at Rs 1675 while the double connection one for Ethernet and Wi-Fi cost Rs 2850.
