Dedicated Internet Access. Engineered, not best effort
Uncontended, symmetric internet with committed bandwidth and SLA-backed delivery, for sites where performance can't be left to chance.
Predictable performance, at peak and off-peak
FirstNet DIA is a fully managed, enterprise-grade internet service delivered over approved fibre infrastructure, with end-to-end accountability managed by FirstNet.
- Dedicated 1:1 contention on local and international traffic
- Symmetric, committed bandwidth that doesn't degrade at peak
- Predictable latency, jitter and packet-loss characteristics
- Layer 3 service into the FirstNet core
- Static public IP addressing and enterprise routing
- Defined SLAs with service credits aligned to the carrier
Engineered global paths
International performance depends on where traffic exits South Africa and how it is routed. DIA peers in global hubs including London, New York, Brazil, Germany, Marseilles and Singapore, across seven undersea cable systems. If a cable is cut, traffic reroutes automatically.
Choose for the outcome
Dedicated Internet Access
Uncontended, committed and SLA-driven. For core sites, head offices and hubs where downtime has material impact.
Business broadband
Possible contention with best-effort, last-mile SLAs. Ideal for branches and as a cost-effective backup to DIA.
Common designs
Head office or data centre primary
DIA as the primary internet for your most critical locations.
Resilient internet edge
Dual-homed DIA, or DIA with broadband failover for layered resilience.
SD-WAN hub underlay
A stable, uncontended underlay for SD-WAN and managed security.
Regulated sectors
Financial services, government and healthcare environments that need enforceable performance.
Dedicated Internet Access questions
Straight answers from the FirstNet team.
Read every answer in the Knowledge HubHow is DIA different from business broadband?
DIA gives you uncontended, symmetric, committed bandwidth with SLA-backed performance and engineered international routing. Broadband is shared and best-effort, with SLAs set by the last-mile provider.
Does DIA work with our SD-WAN and firewall?
Yes. DIA is compatible with enterprise routing platforms, SD-WAN, firewall and cloud connectivity solutions, and supports static public IP addressing.
How long does DIA take to install?
Lead times depend on the carrier and your site, and are confirmed during feasibility. Onboarding runs through qualification, last-mile feasibility, provisioning and installation, then handover to support.
Is DIA the same as IP Transit?
No. DIA is managed enterprise internet. IP Transit is a wholesale, BGP-based service for organisations that run their own Autonomous System and manage their own routing.
What happens when an undersea cable fails?
DIA routes international traffic across seven undersea cable systems and multiple peering hubs, so traffic is automatically engineered around a failed or congested route.
When does a business need Dedicated Internet Access instead of broadband?
Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) makes sense when best-effort broadband is no longer enough. Common signs are application or transaction failures on broadband, audit or regulatory requirements for enforceable performance and accountability, a move to international cloud platforms, or a redesign of core sites where stable international routing matters more than headline speed. DIA is not intended for price-only branch access or guest Wi-Fi, where business broadband is the better fit.
How do SLAs and service credits work on Dedicated Internet Access?
DIA service levels are last-mile dependent and strictly aligned to the underlying carrier's commitments. Response and resolution targets follow the contracted carrier SLA, and service credits are passed through from the carrier once validated against that carrier's SLA. Your specific targets are set out in your contract. FirstNet manages the escalation path on your behalf, from support to service delivery to product management.
What infrastructure is Dedicated Internet Access delivered over?
FirstNet DIA is delivered over approved fibre infrastructure from ICASA-licensed operators, complying with ECS and ECNS requirements, and runs as a Layer 3 service into the FirstNet core. DIA may not be delivered over unlicensed access technologies. Delivery depends on carrier feasibility at your site, which is confirmed before provisioning, installation and handover to support.
From the Knowledge Hub
Where connectivity fits
- Sovereign AI AI that stays home, in every layer.
- Voice Every call, clear.
- Security Threats, contained.
- Cloud Data, protected.
- Connectivity Always connected.
Enriched by Sovereign AI: reach the AI Factory over FirstNet’s own network, with a direct, low-latency path that stays on South African soil. Explore the AI Factory