A cellular network or mobile network is a communication network where the link to and from end nodes is wireless. A cell typically uses a different set of frequencies from neighboring cells, to avoid interference and provide guaranteed service quality within each cell.
Cell Phone Services In South Africa
Vodacom: 83.6%
MTN: 89.5%
Cell C: 81%
Telkom: 88.6%.
Using a Cell Phone while Overseas in South Africa
Staying in touch while on holiday or business in South Africa (SA) is far less complicated and expensive than it used to be, but, nonetheless, those unfamiliar with the local system and networks may still find keeping connected somewhat confusing.
While there’s a few different telecom options for travellers to SA, it’s important to understand the advantages and drawbacks of each. What’s best for one person may not necessarily be ideal for another.
To help you on your way, we’ve put together a guide to buying a prepaid SIM card (or just a data SIM), renting a local cell phone, putting your mobile on roam and more. At the bottom of this page, we’ve also answered some frequently asked questions about cell phone and Internet use in SA.
What is the best cell phone network in South Africa?
MTN
The results show that MTN was ranked first with a network quality score of 9.79, followed by Vodacom on 5.72, Telkom on 5.19, Cell C on 4.16, and Rain on 3.61. The research shows that South Africa had an average mobile download speed of 37.49Mbps and an average upload speed of 13.59Mbps.
Which is the cheapest cell phone network in South Africa?
Telkom and Cell C offer the cheapest mobile data bundles in South Africa, a My Broadband comparison shows. Telkom recently reduced its 1GB monthly data bundle price from R99 to R79 and introduced a new 1.5GB bundle at R89.
Is there cell service in South Africa?
Mobile coverage and smartphone penetration in South Africa 2025-2026. As of 2025, 99.8 percent of the population in South Africa had access to the 3G mobile network. 4G/LTE coverage increased significantly from 53 percent in 2025 to 96.4 percent in 2025. In 2025, 0.7 percent of South Africa had 5G coverage.
What cell phone companies are in South Africa?
South Africa has four licensed mobile operators: MTN, Vodacom (majority-owned by the UK’s Vodafone), Cell C (75% owned by Saudi Oger, an international telecommunications holdings firm), and 8ta, a subsidiary of Telkom. In 2012, mobile penetration was estimated at more than 10%, one of the highest rates in the world.
Who is the biggest cellular provider in South Africa?
Telkom, the partially state-owned telecommunications provider in South Africa, is the largest company providing both fixed-line and wireless packages. Other popular internet providers in South Africa include Neotel, MWEB, Vodacom, MTN and Cell C.