Telkom Joins South Africa’s Growing MVNO Market, Opening Doors for New Players

South Africa’s Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) market is expanding rapidly, and Telkom has officially stepped in to claim its share. The telecom giant has partnered with a Mobile Virtual Network Enabler (MVNE) to simplify MVNO onboarding and meet ICASA’s spectrum license requirements.

The move aligns with Telkom’s strategy to leverage its infrastructure and support new entrants in the MVNO space. This will allow banks, retailers, and other businesses to launch their own mobile networks while benefiting from Telkom’s robust network capabilities.

“The MVNO market is an exciting space, and we are eager to bring our network capabilities and infrastructure to enable and support new entrants,” said Lunga Siyo, Telkom CEO, Consumer and Small Business.

South Africa’s MVNO Market: A Growing Opportunity

The MVNO sector in South Africa has seen remarkable growth, with subscriber numbers increasing by 51% year-on-year to 4.3 million users by the end of 2023.

According to the Africa Analysis MVNO Report (February 2024), the market has a potential revenue of R83.6 billion, with businesses across different industries leveraging branded mobile services to enhance customer engagement.

Key factors driving MVNO expansion in South Africa include:
Strong demand from financial services, retail, and niche brands
A growing need for differentiated mobile offerings
Enhanced customer retention through integrated mobile services

As more banks, insurance firms, and retailers enter the market, Telkom’s structured MVNO platform provides an opportunity for brands to develop customized mobile products and services.

How Telkom is Simplifying MVNO Entry

To attract new MVNO partners, Telkom has designed a structured, scalable, and technology-driven platform that simplifies:

• Network integration

• Operational management

• Customer engagement and product development

Potential MVNO partners will benefit from:
Flexible onboarding: Tailored solutions based on business needs
Strong network capabilities: Access to Telkom’s infrastructure and roaming agreements
Comprehensive customer support: End-to-end assistance in technology, product design, and customer engagement

“Our expansion into the MVNO market aligns with our mission to seamlessly connect South Africans and empower brands to create value for their customers,” added Siyo.

A Call to Potential MVNO Partners

Telkom is actively seeking businesses interested in launching MVNOs, providing them with the necessary tools, technology, and network access. With its long-term strategy focused on growth and collaboration, the company aims to establish itself as a key enabler in South Africa’s MVNO market.

As competition in the telecom sector heats up, Telkom’s MVNO initiative is set to unlock new business opportunities while giving consumers more choices in mobile services.