Load Shedding Impact Q2 2026: Eskom areas Router Sales

Quick Answer

Loadshedding in Q2 2026 continues to drive strong router and networking hardware demand across South Africa, particularly in Eskom areas experiencing Stage 3 and above rotations. Consumers and small businesses are investing in LTE and 5G routers as backup connectivity solutions when fibre ONTs lose power during cuts.

How Loadshedding Drives Router Demand in 2026

Every time the power goes out, fibre routers and ONT units connected to municipal infrastructure go offline. Households and businesses that depend on fixed-line internet for work, study, and streaming find themselves without connectivity for the duration of the cut. This has created consistent demand for mobile LTE and 5G routers that run on internal batteries and switch over automatically when fibre drops.

In Q2 2026, municipalities across Gauteng, the Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal continue to experience at least Stage 2 rotations on a regular basis. The uncertainty of scheduling means businesses cannot rely on scheduled cuts being predictable. The demand for dual-WAN routers that combine fibre and LTE in a single unit with automatic failover has grown significantly compared to Q2 2025.

Router sales data from Q2 2026 shows strong uptake of 5G CPE (customer premises equipment) units in areas where 5G coverage has expanded. Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Durban all have expanded 5G footprints that make these units practical alternatives rather than emergency backups.

What Consumers Are Buying and Why

The most popular router category for loadshedding resilience is the portable LTE router with a built-in battery. These units cost between R800 and R3,500 depending on 4G versus 5G capability and battery capacity. They activate automatically when mains power drops, bridge devices via Wi-Fi, and run for 4 to 8 hours on a charge, which covers most Stage 2 and Stage 4 rotation windows.

For home office and small business users, enterprise-grade dual-WAN routers that manage simultaneous fibre and LTE connections have become a practical standard rather than a premium option. These devices cost R2,000 to R8,000 and provide transparent failover that keeps VPN connections and video calls alive through power cuts.

UPS units paired with existing routers represent a third category of demand. A router draws 10 to 30W, meaning a small 600VA UPS can keep a router and ONT online for 4 to 6 hours. This is the lowest-cost solution for fibre users who only need basic connectivity maintained during cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of router is best for loadshedding in South Africa? A 4G or 5G LTE router with an internal battery is the most practical solution for most households. It activates automatically when power drops and does not require fibre infrastructure that also loses power during cuts. Dual-WAN routers are better for small businesses that need seamless failover without manual intervention.

Does loadshedding affect fibre internet? Yes. The ONT (optical network terminal) that connects your home to the fibre network runs on mains power. When the power goes out, the ONT shuts down and fibre internet drops. A UPS connected to the ONT and router keeps fibre running during shorter Stage 1 and Stage 2 cuts.

Are 5G routers worth it for loadshedding backup in 2026? In areas with 5G coverage, yes. 5G CPE units deliver speeds comparable to fibre and are a genuine primary connection option, not just a backup. In areas with 4G LTE only, a 4G router still provides workable speeds for browsing, video calls, and basic streaming during outages.