Telkom Joins SA's Growing MVNO Market

Telkom has entered South Africa’s growing mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) market through a partnership with a mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE) platform provider.

The signing of the MVNE platform agreement will allow Telkom to meet the requirements set by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), which require mobile network operators to support at least three black-owned MVNOs as part of their spectrum licence conditions.

“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 sector is growing quickly with banks, insurance firms and retailers creating a competitive sector. According to a report, the MVNO market in South Africa is estimated at $90.91 million in 2025, and expected to reach $132.34 million by 2030.

Telkom is set to join a highly competitive market with the likes of Capitec Connect, Mr Price Mobile, TFG Connect and Old Mutual Connect. Cell C still leads as the MVNO infrastructure partner of choice for most brands.

"This growth is driven by consumer affinity, particularly to financial services providers, retailers, and niche brands. These businesses seek to create unique branded mobile products and services, develop new value propositions and value-added services to enhance customer engagement for their own customers,” adds Siyo.

Call for potential partners

Telkom is inviting brands interested in launching MVNOs to explore partnership opportunities. Potential partners can expect:

- Flexible onboarding: Enablement and support tailored based on customer technology integration preferences and requirements, unique product design and development, enhanced customer experience and support based on their unique customer journeys. - Strong network capabilities: Access to Telkom’s high-quality network and roaming partners.