Improved power stability has enabled Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom to expand 5G coverage, yet consumer adoption remains sluggish. Industry data reveals most users find existing 4G services sufficient for daily needs.

Vodacom tripled its 5G sites to 3,063 since 2023, while MTN reports just 6% of its base actively uses 5G. OpenSignal’s April 2025 analysis shows average 4G download speeds of 37.5 Mbps—exceeding requirements for HD streaming. Telkom’s Lunga Siyo confirmed customers perceive limited practical benefits in upgrading, as 4G adequately supports video calls, gaming, and streaming.

Operators are pivoting toward enterprise solutions and fixed-wireless access (FWA) to drive returns. With fibre penetration below 30% nationally, 5G home broadband gains traction in underserved areas. MTN identified FWA as the “killer use case” for residential consumers. Enterprise demand proves stronger, with private 5G networks deployed for mining, manufacturing, and logistics enabling autonomous systems and edge computing.

“5G is now an industrial transformation platform,” Vodacom stated, noting customized networks for factories and ports. The shift reflects market realities where 4G performance negates premium consumer pricing for 5G.