In the rapidly evolving landscape of internet connectivity in South Africa, selecting the right ISP can transform your online experience from frustrating lags to effortless streaming. Cool Ideas has established itself as a prominent provider in the fibre sector for several years, and as we move through 2025, it is timely to reassess its offerings. I have been using Cool Ideas with Vumatel fibre at home for more than three years, and this hands-on experience informs this review. When Vumatel first arrived in my area, various ISPs were actively promoting their services, but Cool Ideas stood out due to their reliability and specialised approach. This updated article maintains the original perspectives while incorporating the most recent details on packages, prices, and trends to help you determine if they suit your home or business needs.
Cool Ideas focuses on fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) and fibre-to-the-business (FTTB) services, providing unshaped and unthrottled internet on a flexible month-to-month basis. Without long-term commitments and including a complimentary router, they cater to users who require high performance for activities ranging from remote work to online gaming. With speeds of up to 1Gbps, they target households and offices that demand robust connectivity. Let us explore what sets them apart in 2025, covering key areas such as packages, prices, reviews, and coverage, drawing on the latest available information.
Overview of Cool Ideas ISP
Contents
Cool Ideas operates as a premium fibre ISP across South Africa, collaborating with leading fibre network operators (FNOs) including Vumatel, Openserve, and Frogfoot. While they do not own the underlying infrastructure, which is managed by these FNOs, Cool Ideas oversees the service delivery to ensure consistent performance and support. In 2025, they expanded their portfolio to include 5G fixed wireless internet in select regions, providing alternatives where fibre is not yet available. This expansion demonstrates their responsiveness in a market where availability continues to grow.
Key Features and Services
Their services emphasise uncapped, unshaped, and unthrottled connections, ideal for bandwidth-intensive tasks. They also provide business-oriented options with enhanced service level agreements (SLAs) and dedicated assistance.
Cool Ideas Fibre Packages and Prices in 2025
Packages and pricing remain a primary concern for potential customers. As of October 2025, Cool Ideas maintains a straightforward tiered structure based on speed and FNO partnerships. Their FTTH packages start with a symmetric 15/15 Mbps connection at R399 per month, increasing to higher speeds, such as 250/250 Mbps, at R1,049 per month. Prices can differ slightly depending on the network; for instance, Vumatel plans may include a modest premium for their reliable infrastructure.
Detailed Package Breakdown
Here is an overview of their standard fibre packages:
- Entry-Level: 15/15 Mbps – Suitable for everyday browsing, emails, and light streaming. Priced at R399 per month on most networks, this is a solid choice for smaller households or budget-conscious users.
- Mid-Range: 30/30 Mbps – Enhanced for HD streaming and multiple connected devices. Available for R559 per month, with no throttling to maintain consistent performance.
- Balanced Option: 60/60 Mbps – Ideal for families with moderate usage, including video calls and downloads. Costs R679 per month.
- High-Performance: 120/120 Mbps – Geared towards gaming, 4K content, and work-from-home environments and priced at R849 per month.
- Premium Tier: 250/250 Mbps – For intensive users, large files, and smart homes. R1,049 per month, with upload speeds supporting content creation.
These are offered on a month-to-month basis, with no installation charges if fibre is already in place. However, new FNO setups, such as those with Vumatel, may incur approximately R1,725 (which is often waived during promotions). For specific networks like Vuma Reach, deals include 20/10 Mbps at R429, 40/10 Mbps at R549, and 100/50 Mbps at R797. Business packages start from approximately R999 for 50/50 Mbps, featuring prioritised support.
Compared to previous years, there have been slight adjustments to account for economic factors; yet, Cool Ideas remains competitive. Seasonal promotions, such as free months or router enhancements, are worth monitoring on their website. Payment options are versatile, including debit orders, credit cards, or online through their client portal, with banking details provided on invoices.
5G Fixed Wireless Options
For areas without fibre, their new 5G service launched in September 2025 offers uncapped plans: 10 Mbps at R199, 20 Mbps at R259, and 50 Mbps at R359 per month. This provides a viable bridge until fibre rollout.
Coverage and Availability Across South Africa
Availability is crucial when considering an ISP. Cool Ideas serves regions where their FNO partners have established infrastructure, encompassing major urban centres like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria. To verify service in your location, utilise their online coverage map on coolideas.co.za by entering your address, which displays compatible networks and speeds. For example, Vumatel extensively covers Gauteng and the Western Cape, while Openserve supports more expansive rural growth.
In 2025, the introduction of 5G fixed wireless has extended reach to previously underserved spots. Coverage verification is available on their site, with ongoing expansions through partners like Frogfoot and DFA, which add connections regularly. If fibre is unavailable, LTE alternatives are offered, though fibre is their primary focus.
Checking Your Area
City-specific interests, such as those in Cape Town or Johannesburg, indicate strong regional performance, with occasional disruptions linked to FNO maintenance.
Speed and Performance: Tests and Real-World Insights
Performance has consistently been a highlight, with my own tests showing results exceeding advertised speeds. In 2025, this reliability persists. On tools like speedtest.net, a 200/200 Mbps connection frequently achieves 210 Mbps download and 220 Mbps upload locally. International tests to destinations like London or New York typically reach 180-190 Mbps, bolstered by peering arrangements across 11 internet exchange points (IXPs), including international locations.
No traffic shaping ensures excellent results for gaming and streaming, with low latency for games like Fortnite or Valorant. Cool Ideas ranks highly among ISPs favoured by gamers in 2025, comparable to Cybersmart. Upgrading speeds is straightforward, and stability is generally strong, although brief FNO-related interruptions can occur.
Their client portal facilitates direct speed tests for monitoring. If performance dips, it is often router-related; they supply free units, but advanced users may prefer custom configurations.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
For concerns such as intermittent connections, restarting the router or checking FNO status updates can resolve the issue quickly.
Customer Reviews and Satisfaction in 2025
Feedback plays a vital role in evaluating an ISP. In 2025, Cool Ideas garners positive ratings across various platforms. According to WhichVoIP, they achieve an 86% customer satisfaction score, placing them among the top providers. Hellopeter reflects a 4.9/5 rating from 1,930 reviews, with commendations for swift installations and dependable service. Trustpilot presents a more mixed picture, with a lower score of 1.9/5 based on 21 reviews, highlighting issues such as billing and support delays. However, this smaller sample may not fully represent the broader experience.
Common positives include rapid setup (often within days), contract-free flexibility, and unshaped data. Criticisms occasionally involve billing discrepancies or communication during outages, consistent with some earlier feedback. Recent reviews on Hellopeter praise the resolution of disruptions and value for money, while a few note activation delays. Overall, they feature in the top 10 ISPs, often surpassing competitors like Afrihost in speed but varying in support perceptions.
From social media platforms like X, discussions in 2025 cover experiences with packages and occasional grievances about outages in specific areas, such as those tied to Vumatel in Linden. User engagement reveals a mix, with many sharing favourable outcomes on pricing and performance.
Balancing Perspectives
While most sources indicate high satisfaction, isolated negative experiences underscore the importance of individual circumstances, such as local infrastructure.
Support, Contact Details, and Troubleshooting
Support experiences have evolved; initially variable, with ticket resolutions sometimes taking 48 hours. Improvements in 2025 include round-the-clock availability via phone, WhatsApp, and email. The contact number is 010 593 2665, with WhatsApp details on their site.
Advanced support operates from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays, with emergency coverage available outside these hours. The client portal manages billing, diagnostics, and ticket submissions. For disruptions, their announcements page offers real-time FNO updates. Standard resolutions for no-connection issues involve router resets or support consultations.
Banking details for payments are displayed on invoices, facilitating seamless online transactions.
The Good: Strengths That Endure in 2025
Cool Ideas excels in several core aspects, preserving the qualities that initially appealed.
Competitive Pricing
Rates offer good value, avoiding hidden charges and providing month-to-month freedom over rigid contracts.
Specialised Fibre Focus (With 5G Addition)
Their emphasis on fibre, now supplemented by 5G, ensures tailored, high-quality service.
Efficient Delivery
Activations are prompt, typically within the same week, if the necessary infrastructure exists, with included routers simplifying the setup.
Extensive Peering
Global IXP connections provide low latency, which is beneficial for international activities.
Reliable Speeds
Consistently meeting or exceeding expectations, unshaped service prevents peak-hour slowdowns.
The Bad: Opportunities for Enhancement
Particular challenges remain, although they are being progressively addressed.
Variable Support
Response times can fluctuate during high-demand periods, with phone queues possible, although WhatsApp somewhat alleviates this.
Limited IPv6 Deployment
The full rollout is pending, despite holding a significant allocation, due to South Africa’s gradual adoption.
Regional Routing Variations
Minor inconsistencies to specific areas like Kenya exist but are negligible for most.
The Ugly: Historical and Ongoing Hurdles
Past events, such as the 2019 DDoS incidents with initial communication shortcomings, have been mitigated through strengthened security, with no major recurrences in 2025. Current outages primarily relate to FNOs, with improved notifications via status pages.
Comparison to Competitors: Cool Ideas vs. Afrihost and Others
In 2025 evaluations, Cool Ideas outperforms Afrihost in speed and satisfaction (86% vs. 76%, according to MyBroadband), although Afrihost excels in portal usability. Both maintain comparable pricing, but Cool Ideas’ 5G expansion provides an advantage in non-fibre zones. Competitors like RSAWEB or Axxess are similar, yet Cool Ideas leads in gaming due to minimal ping times.
Conclusion: Is Cool Ideas the Right Choice in 2025?
Cool Ideas delivers competitive pricing, a dedicated fibre approach (enhanced by 5G), superior speeds, and refined support, with room for further communication improvements. I wholeheartedly endorse them, particularly for those prioritising reliability and performance. Their commitment to enhancement is evident in the 2025 developments. If you are a user, feel free to share your experiences in the comments!
I’ve had Cool Ideas as my ISP for several years. Initially their service was outstanding. However my Internet connection has become progressively worse, and it seems to be impossible to even get through them telephoncally with eternally long waiting periods. Appalling customer service and no backup.l Will be looking to finding a better service provider.
I have taken the matter up with SA consumer complaints to assist to take the matter up with the Consumer Protection Act.
Based on the reviews on Hello Peter, The -73 NPS (Net Promotor Score), the lack of response from Cool Ideas on this platform, and the queries made to them. I hope I can serve as an example of why it is so important to check company reviews on Hello Peter before signing a 24month contract with a company that does not honor what they advertise and will hold you liable for their mistakes.
My advice, If you are looking for a fiber avoid Cool Ideas at all costs (or it will end up costing you more than intended) and rather go with a 5G connection (if you have it available in your area ) that will deliver the same speeds if not more. (48 hr delivery and connection) or make sure you do proper research for a reputable ISP that does not make up their own rules and ignore the Consumer Protection Act for their own gain.
“Hi
My Compliant against Cool Ideas ISP.
I applied for a Cool Ideas Fibre contract (with R0 installation/connection fee through Vumatel on the Hippo.co.za website in June and received a confirmation that states Installation is R0.
After Cool ideas returned and asked to fill in their application form. Where the question was asked if I have an existing fiber connection which I confirmed yes and provided them with the information and pics required.
A week and a half later after not hearing from Cool Ideas, I did a follow-up call to find out what’s happening. They ask me to submit more pics of the ONT (the box that connects to the Fibre cable) and they came back informing me that my box is not compatible with their fiber and that they have arranged with Vumatel to install the correct unit at my house.
Once the unit was installed I had to follow up with them for another 7 days to get my Fiber connection activated. During this period I was informed that they activated the wrong line with Open Serve and not Vumatel. a couple of days later, this was rectified.
After the service was activated, I received an Installation fee bill from Cool Ideas of R1750. When I question why they charging me an installation fee when their advert stated R0 installation fee (They did not charge me for a connection fee as advertised), they initially kept on responding that Vumatel has an installation fee. It took me a number of calls and written queries for them to acknowledge that my order did state the R0 installation fee. To which they acknowledge that they made a mistake in advertising and that they will get it rectified, but that I am still responsible for the installation fee.
Their reason for this is that after I placed my order I stated that I had an existing Fiber installation and because they had to install a new one they charging me for installation.
The problem with their response is that when I noticed their advert and placed an order to get their Cool ideas Fiber contract with R0 installation fee there were no prerequisites that I had to have an existing fiber connection to qualify for the R0 installation. Based on the advert on hippo.co.za the installation was Free (R0) (no T&C stating that this offer was based on an existing installation)
For all intent and purposes, any reasonable person that read the advert would have read that was stated. Cool ideas did not charge an installation fee.
Their advert has been updated in the meantime to reflect the R1750 installation fee. They admitted to making an error in advertising but they refused to honor the deal that they have advertised and what I ordered from them in June.
I informed them due to false advertising that I would like to cancel, whereby they informed me that I still am still liable for the installation fee and calender month service fees. They forcing me to pay for an installation fee which they have advertised as free (R0) whether I stay with them or not.
Please assist as I am not getting anywhere with Cool Ideas. Their supervisors are never available, always responding with the same type of response that Vumatel has an installation fee and invoices with warnings that if I don’t pay the installation fee that my service will be suspended.
They made the error in advertising and now they holding me liable for an R1750 installation fee that was not part of the deal.”
I contacted cool ideads via phone i asked the agent if my address has fibre she replied yes i asked another few questions because i was interested in using the service she explain and im happy with what she said, the next day i signed up and paid for the service, two weeks went by and i decided to contact them asking them when the installation will be taking place, nobody could give me an answer or get back to me after sending several emails nobody could help me so basically after i paid everything went downhill reason for that was on the cool ideas portal my address showed that fibre is installed in my area so basically my address is ready for fibre installation but on the Mitchell’s fibre portal fibre has not yet been installed in my area and this i had to find out on my own with out any help from a cool ideas agent because they ignored me after i made payment, so now that I’ve found out i don’t have fibre in my area i then requested a refund and yet again they couldn’t assist me, i requested a refund on 26/09/2020 its now 03/10/2020 and im still waiting they told me they sent me an email asking for banking details but they sent it to the wrong client so now im not getting any response from them, i wouldn’t recommend anyone to sign up and pay for the unprofessional service they have to offer because if anything goes wrong they’ll leave you hanging, my first experience with cool ideas has been a nightmare (because once you pay you are on your own)
Do not sign up with Cool Ideas! Their service is atrocious! I was with them for 6 weeks… experienced nothing but horrible customer service. Had to cancel immediately as support was shocking
I have to say signed up with them in 2021 and from what I read above the service is extremely better now then what all these comments experienced. I ordered my internet on Friday night. I got a response on Monday morning and had to send photos. Was told within minutes of sending the photos installation will be booked and it will take two to 3 weeks. Openserve was at my door the next morning to install my network
please don not use Cool ideas. The systems and services are terrible. I moved and needed to cancel, I gave the required 30 days notice on the 1st of the month to the end of the month. Their system then decided 30 days was not sufficient so they added an additional 30days to the end of the next month. Now after being transferred to multiple departments they say it doesnt matter that you gave the required 30 days , their system decided that it would be the following month so now im liable to pay an additional month. Terrible service and attitude!!!
They’re absolute dogsh*t.
Do not under any circumstances sign up with them, you’ll regret it after days/weeks/months of internet that doesn’t work.
Thanks for all the reviews. I was considering CI….NOT ANYMORE!