The Economic Benefits of Fibre Internet for Gamers and Streamers

The gaming and streaming industries are experiencing explosive growth worldwide, and South Africa is no exception. In 2021, the South African gaming market was valued at over R3.5 billion, with active gamers projected to reach 24 million by 2025. Central to this surge is the need for reliable, high-speed internet connectivity. While options like LTE and 5G offer mobility and convenience, they fall short in meeting the demands of competitive gaming and high-quality streaming. Fibre optic internet stands out as the optimal choice, offering unparalleled speed, low latency, and stability.

Additionally, the rise of cloud-based gaming platforms is changing the landscape, allowing gamers to access high-end games without expensive hardware—provided they have a strong and stable internet connection. By enhancing gameplay, improving streaming quality, and opening up economic opportunities, fibre connectivity is more than just a technological upgrade—it's a catalyst for growth.

Let’s explore some of the top advantages of fibre internet for gamers and streamers:

Enhanced Gaming and Streaming Experience

Fibre optic internet provides ultra-low latency, often as low as 2-5 milliseconds, compared to 30-100 milliseconds on LTE and 20-30 milliseconds on 5G networks. This means quicker response times and smoother gameplay, which is one of the biggest advantages of using fibre optic cables. South African gamers are increasingly participating in international tournaments, some with prize pools exceeding R1 million, where high-speed internet is crucial for performance.

For streamers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming, video quality is vital for attracting and retaining viewers. Fibre's high upload speeds allow for broadcasting in 1080p and even 4K without buffering, enhancing viewer engagement. Top streamers earn more than R9,1 million ( $500,000 ) annually through subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships, making high-quality streaming a significant income source.

The UrbanX Stream Relays page showcases our commitment to delivering seamless streaming experiences by connecting directly to popular streaming platforms through optimized relays. By reducing latency and boosting reliability, we help streamers deliver high-quality, uninterrupted content to their audiences. Whether you’re a content creator or a live streamer, UrbanX’s Stream Relays ensure your connection remains stable, responsive, and tailored to the demands of live broadcasting.

We have also partnered with several streamers, gaming organizations, and communities, demonstrating our commitment to supporting and enhancing their online-focused careers. You can find out more about that by visiting our influencers and partners page.

Economic Opportunities

Fibre connectivity doesn't just enhance experiences; it opens doors to economic benefits. In 2024, the global gaming industry has soared to an impressive $221 billion (about R4 trillion), and enhanced fibre connectivity is positioning South African gamers and developers to claim their share of this booming market:

Professional Gaming:

Gamers can compete effectively on a global stage, turning a hobby into a potential career. High-speed, stable connections are crucial for participating in eSports tournaments with substantial prize money.

Content Creation:

High-speed internet enables quick creation and uploading of content, tapping into revenue streams from ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Streamers can engage larger audiences with higher-quality streams.

Job Creation:

The growth of the gaming industry stimulates demand for related professions—game developers, graphic designers, and IT specialists—all benefiting from fibre connectivity.

Community and Industry Growth

Fibre connectivity contributes to the broader community by attracting investment and fostering a thriving gaming ecosystem. Areas with advanced internet infrastructure, like parts of Johannesburg and Cape Town, have seen increased investment in tech hubs and co-working spaces. Improved internet access facilitates online learning in game development and programming, nurturing local talent and promoting social connectivity through online communities.

Competitive Advantage

Another benefit of fibre optic cables for gamers and streamers is that fibre connectivity provides a significant competitive edge.

Faster Downloads and Updates:

A 50 GB game can be downloaded in under 7 minutes on a 1 Gbps fibre connection, compared to over 3 hours on a 20 Mbps DSL line.

Global Competitiveness:

Low latency connections allow South African gamers to compete on international servers without disadvantage, essential for professional gaming.

Enhanced Collaboration:

High-speed internet facilitates better teamwork in multiplayer games and collaborative streaming events.

Some professional esports teams consider internet infrastructure when selecting training locations, highlighting the importance of fibre connectivity for high-level play. 

With the rise of cloud-based gaming platforms further underscores the need for a strong, stable, and low-latency internet solution. Fibre uniquely provides this, enabling gamers to access high-end gaming experiences without expensive hardware investments.

Learn More About Our Fibre Services for Gamers & Streamers

If you’re looking to elevate your gaming and streaming experiences, partnering with trusted providers like UrbanX ensures access to top-tier fibre services tailored to meet the demands of the digital entertainment industry.

Whether you’re a content creator or a live streamer, UrbanX’s Stream Relays ensure your connection remains stable, responsive, and tailored to the demands of live broadcasting. This showcases our commitment to delivering seamless streaming experiences by connecting directly to popular streaming platforms through optimized relays. By reducing latency and boosting reliability, we help streamers deliver high-quality, uninterrupted content to their audiences.

We have also partnered with several streamers and gaming organisations, demonstrating our commitment to supporting and enhancing their online-focused careers. Explore our packages today and unlock your advantage!