South Africans choose 4G despite 5G rollout surge
Even as 5G networks rapidly expand, most South Africans continue to use the reliable 4G for gaming, gambling and everyday mobile use.
South Africa.- South Africans are choosing to stick with 4G even as there is a massive 5G rollout across the country. For many, especially gamers and online bettors, 4G offers the right balance of reliability and affordability, making it a smarter and affordable choice.
Telecommunications companies Vodacom and MTN have been sprinting ahead in the 5G race. Vodacom boosted its 5G network from 1,150 sites in 2023 to 2,299 in 2024, and by mid-2025, it had clocked in at 3,063 sites, yet customer adoption of 5G remains relatively low despite this rapid expansion.
MTN has made progress with more than 2.2 million active 5G users. However, that’s only about six per cent of its total customer base, proving that despite the 5G hype, most customers are still sticking with the trusty and budget-friendly 4G.
With 4G devices also being reliable in terms of download speed, it’s easy to see why many South Africans aren’t rushing to switch to 5G. In a report from OpenSignal, the company that tracks mobile network performance, South Africa’s average 4G download speed in 2025 is 37.5 Mbps. That speed is more than sufficient for gaming, igaming, HD streaming, video calls and most daily online activities.
MTN defended the slow take-off of its 5G rollout, citing intensified load shedding and the necessary reallocation of resources as key factors impacting its expansion plans.
“Our network resilience programme in 2023 was a critical strategic priority, primarily driven by intensified load shedding disruptions across the country. They inevitably required a reallocation of resources, both financial and operational, which temporarily impacted the investment into our 5G expansion,” said MTN, according to TechCentral.
Meanwhile, another telecoms company, Telkom, has taken an even more cautious approach. CEO Lunga Siyo said that the majority of customers are still satisfied with its existing 4G service. The company revealed that just 14 per cent of devices on its network are 5G capable.
As mass-market appetite lags, operators are turning their attention to high-return areas. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and private 5G networks are gaining traction in industries such as mining, logistics and manufacturing, where connectivity is essential and profit margins justify the investment.
