South Africa’s telecommunications landscape continues to expand and evolve rapidly, forming a critical part of the economy and connecting an increasingly diverse population and businesses. As the country adapts to a growing demand for connectivity, mobile and fixed-line broadband services are expanding at an unprecedented rate. Commercial 5G networks have been launched, and fibre networks are extending to more homes, businesses, and rural areas, driving digital inclusion and enhancing access to essential services like education, finance, and healthcare. Despite challenges such as power disruptions, vandalism, and infrastructure theft, the sector remains resilient and continues to see significant investments, especially in next-generation technologies.
Key developments on which Creamer Media’s ‘Telecommunications 2024: SA's telecoms landscape expanding and evolving’ report focuses include ongoing mergers and acquisitions, enhanced international connectivity through new submarine cables, and an evolving regulatory framework. The growth of mobile virtual network operators and the continued shift towards high-speed fixed-line broadband signal the industry’s efforts to diversify and meet consumer demands for faster, more reliable internet. Additionally, policies like the ICT and Digital Economy Masterplan aim to further bolster South Africa's digital transformation.
This report is a summary of information published in Engineering News and Mining Weekly, as well as of information available in the public domain over the past 12 months. The report does not purport to provide analysis of market trends.
The information in this report is correct as of September 4, 2024