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Who Owns My Broadband?

Published in Broadband Ownership 3 mins read

The ownership of "my broadband" can refer to two distinct entities: either the well-known South African digital publication MyBroadband or your personal internet service provider (ISP) that delivers internet connectivity to your home or business.


Understanding the Ownership of MyBroadband (The Publication)

If your question pertains to MyBroadband, the prominent South African technology news and information website, it is owned by Broad Media.

Broad Media is a significant player in the South African digital media landscape, recognized for owning several of the country's largest and most influential digital publications and platforms. Beyond MyBroadband, their portfolio includes:

  • BusinessTech: A leading business news website.
  • TopAuto: A platform dedicated to automotive news and reviews.
  • Daily Investor: Focusing on investment news and insights.

In addition to these digital publications, Broad Media also produces popular video podcasts such as What's Next with Aki Anastasiou, Business Talk with Michael Avery, and Smart Money with Alishia Seckam, further solidifying its presence across various digital content formats.

The MyBroadband publication serves as a key source for technology news, reviews, and analysis, particularly within the South African context, influencing discussions around broadband, telecommunications, and digital trends.


Understanding the Ownership of Your Broadband Internet Service

If "my broadband" refers to the actual internet connection you use daily—the service that allows you to browse the web, stream videos, and connect online—then it is owned and provided by your specific Internet Service Provider (ISP).

An ISP is a company that provides individuals and organizations with access to the internet. They own and operate the network infrastructure (or lease it from other providers) that brings the internet signal to your premises.

How to Identify Your Internet Service Provider:

  • Check Your Bill: Your monthly internet bill will clearly state the name of your ISP.
  • Review Your Contract: The service agreement or contract you signed when you subscribed to broadband will name your provider.
  • Look at Your Equipment: Often, your Wi-Fi router or fiber optic terminal will have your ISP's branding on it.
  • Contact Your Landlord or Building Management: If you live in an apartment complex or a managed community, your internet service might be part of the amenities, and they can tell you who the provider is.

Examples of Broadband Internet Service Providers (South Africa):

In South Africa, common ISPs include companies like:

  • Vodacom
  • MTN
  • Telkom
  • Webafrica
  • Afrihost
  • Cool Ideas
  • MWEB

These companies either own their own extensive network infrastructure (like fiber optic cables or cellular towers) or they lease capacity from infrastructure providers (like Openserve, Vumatel, or Frogfoot) to deliver services directly to end-users.


Summary of Broadband Ownership

To clarify the distinction between the two interpretations, here's a brief summary:

Aspect MyBroadband (The Publication) My Broadband (Your Internet Service)
What it is A digital news and information platform. Your actual internet connection and access.
Who owns it Broad Media Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Primary Function Provides news, reviews, and tech insights. Delivers internet connectivity to your home/device.
Location Primarily focuses on South African market. Can be any geographic region, depending on user's location.

Understanding which "my broadband" you are referring to is key to identifying the correct owner.