According to the report, the combined revenue for the telecommunications (telecoms), broadcasting and postal sectors increased by 9.01% in 2024 to a total of R271.7 billion - driven largely by an 11.7% increase in telecoms revenue, which reached R232.7 billion. In contrast, broadcasting revenue slipped to around R34.6 billion, a decline of 1.79%, while postal revenue fell to R4.43 billion.
Mobile services played a key role in the telecoms surge. In 2024, mobile services revenue reached approximately R132.38 billion in 2024, with fixed internet and data revenue climbing to nearly R34.97 billion. Conversely, fixed-line revenue continued its decline, dropping to around R3.86 billion. Prepaid mobile revenue figures show data revenue at about R39.12 billion, voice revenue at R20.69 billion, and messaging revenue at R544.56 million.
“There is a growing dependence on cellular technology in South Africa, with stark disparities in access across provinces,” the report states.
The report highlights a digital shift in household communication. The percentage of cellular-only households increased from 87.8% in 2019 to 91.2% in 2023, while 78.6% of households now have some form of online access.
Sector-wide, mobile and digital solutions are gaining momentum. Mobile subscriptions increased by 7.46% to 116.8 million, and smartphone subscriptions climbed by 10.36% to 82.7 million.
Fixed broadband subscriptions almost doubled from 1.4 million to 2.7 million, driven primarily by the expansion of fibre-optic services. Meanwhile, international bandwidth grew by 10.10% to 3.2 million Mbps, even as average fixed and mobile speeds remain at 48.51 Mbps and 49.81 Mbps respectively.
Social media revenue - generated by telecom operators leveraging social media - emerged as a major force, totalling roughly R159.3 billion. Leading platforms include Facebook (R58.9 billion), WhatsApp (R49.2 billion), and TikTok (R38.9 billion).
“This substantial revenue growth highlights the strategic importance of social media as a vital channel for communication, advertising and customer interaction, further reinforcing its role in the overall telecoms landscape in SA,” stated the report.
Additional figures note a reduction in operational losses due to theft and vandalism – totalling R283 million – and a sharp decline in expenditure on backup power solutions.
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