The report is based on 288,210 speed tests performed by 7,092 mobile data users across South Africa between 1 April 2024 and 30 June 2024.
The testing included data from crowdsourced users and dedicated drive tests, ensuring a balanced and accurate representation of real-world network performance. The research shows South Africa's average mobile download speed was 70.41 Mbps, up from 62.27 Mbps a year ago. The average upload speed was 15.94 Mbps, an increase from 14.88 Mbps over the same period in 2023.
MTN had the highest average download speed at 83.08 Mbps, followed by Vodacom at 79.70 Mbps, Cell C at 54.50 Mbps, and Telkom at 32.29 Mbps. Cell C has shown an incredible increase in performance and has ousted Telkom from its third position it has held for some time. Rain had the worst performance, with an average download speed of 21.31 Mbps. It was well below the national average and out of sync with the rest of the industry.
MTN performed best in eThekwini, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, and Nelson Mandela Bay. Vodacom reigned supreme in Johannesburg, Mangaung, and Cape Town.
MTNs strong network performance was expected as for the past decade, it has invested R10 billion annually in its network infrastructure. The operator increased its capital expenditure in South Africa by 15% over the last year, which included upgrading infrastructure with advanced batteries and generators. These upgrades helped MTN to ensure reliable mobile services amidst ongoing electricity problems in South Africa.
