From smoke signals to fibre optics, communication has changed dramatically. Today, telecom technology underpins how businesses and individuals exchange voice, data, video and information — instantly and across any distance. As South Africa moves deeper into the digital era, the telecoms landscape is shifting again, driven by 5G, fibre expansion, fixed wireless growth and new infrastructure investments.

So what can South Africans expect from telecoms in 2024? And how will these changes impact connectivity, costs and access nationwide?

1. The Next Phase of Connectivity: 5G Takes Centre Stage

South Africa continues progressing through generations of cellular technology, and 5G is the biggest step forward yet. Using higher-frequency spectrum than previous networks, 5G delivers:

  • Much faster speeds (up to 100x faster than 4G)

  • Lower latency for real-time applications

  • Higher network capacity for dense environments

  • Support for 100x more connected devices

  • Reduced power consumption

In simple terms, 5G enables stable, high-speed connectivity for homes, businesses, smart devices and IoT solutions.

Several South African mobile network operators have already confirmed expanded 5G rollouts in 2024, which means faster speeds and better performance will gradually reach more regions.

2. The South African Telecoms Landscape: What’s Changing in 2024

South Africa’s major mobile network operators (MNOs) have outlined clear priorities for the year:

  • Launching new consumer and business products

  • Expanding 5G networks

  • Improving rural and township coverage

  • Strengthening infrastructure for load-shedding resilience

At the same time, ICASA has announced another auction of high-demand spectrum in early 2024. This spectrum is essential because it allows MNOs the bandwidth needed to deliver reliable voice, SMS and data services.

Spectrum availability has a direct impact on:

  • Network performance

  • Coverage expansion

  • Data pricing

  • Investment into new infrastructure

For South Africa to grow its economy, attract investment and empower communities, mobile broadband infrastructure is non-negotiable — and 2024 is a pivotal year for progress.

3. Fixed Wireless Takes Off: Affordable Alternatives to Fibre

While fibre remains the benchmark for high-speed internet, fixed wireless access (FWA) has become a critical solution for South Africans who need:

  • Lower costs

  • Quicker installation

  • Uncapped options without fibre dependency

  • Reliable performance compared to mobile-only data

Fixed wireless includes:

  • Uncapped wireless internet

  • 4G/LTE fixed wireless

  • 5G fixed wireless

  • Satellite connectivity

As economic pressure continues locally and globally, fixed wireless gives both households and businesses access to affordable, flexible and reliable connectivity, without physical fibre lines.

4. Fibre Expansion Into Under-Serviced Areas

One of the biggest trends for 2024 is fibre expansion into areas that have historically lacked fixed-line connectivity.

MNOs and infrastructure providers have started rolling out optical fibre in communities such as:

  • Mitchell’s Plain

  • Grassy Park

  • Chatsworth

  • Phoenix

  • Gonubie

  • Soweto

  • Soshanguve

  • Vosloorus

This shift is crucial because many residents in these areas currently rely solely on mobile data — often expensive and capped.

5. Vox and HYPA: Expanding Affordable Internet Access

Vox continues driving connectivity in under-served communities through HYPA, its subsidiary ISP focused on:

  • Cost-effective unlimited wireless internet

  • Prepaid, contract-free services

  • No installation or connection fees

  • Reliable speeds backed by fibre infrastructure

HYPA operates across networks like:

  • Frogfoot RISE

  • Vuma Reach

  • MetroFibre

This makes home internet access affordable, accessible and uncapped, supporting education, work, streaming and daily online needs.

Simultaneously, Frogfoot Networks continues rolling out new fibre infrastructure into previously under-served areas, helping uplift local economies and broaden digital access.

6. Tackling Load-Shedding: Stronger Network Resilience

Load-shedding remains a major challenge for telecom networks in South Africa. To address it, MNOs have increased investment in:

  • High-capacity battery backups

  • Generators

  • Renewable and hybrid power solutions

  • Site-level redundancy for towers and data centres

For consumers, maintaining connectivity during outages requires reliable home power backups designed specifically for Wi-Fi routers and home networking equipment.

A customised MNO or ISP-approved backup system ensures your connection stays online during:

  • Work-from-home sessions

  • Online classes

  • Streaming

  • Browsing and communication

7. What to Expect From South Africa’s Telecoms Sector in 2024

Economists anticipate that inflation may ease and borrowing costs could drop later in the year — good news for households and businesses under financial strain.

With 2024 being an election year, infrastructure investment may also become more visible as part of service delivery commitments.

Whether political promises are met or not, one thing is clear:

MNOs, ISPs and fibre operators will continue rolling out competitive, innovative solutions that reshape South Africa’s connectivity landscape.

The telecoms industry is moving forward fast — driven by competition, consumer demand and the shift toward smarter, faster and more inclusive digital infrastructure.

FAQs

How will 5G affect home and business internet?

5G offers much faster speeds, lower latency and greater capacity for many devices. That means smoother video calls, faster downloads and better support for smart home and IoT devices where 5G coverage is available.

What is fixed wireless and is it a good alternative to fibre?

Fixed wireless uses mobile or dedicated wireless links to deliver home or business internet without fibre lines. It’s often cheaper, quicker to install and a solid option where fibre isn’t available — including uncapped plans and 5G FWA services.

How does Vox and HYPA improve affordable internet access?

HYPA (Vox’s subsidiary ISP) focuses on contract‑free, prepaid and uncapped wireless internet with no installation or connection fees, backed by fibre networks like Frogfoot RISE, Vuma Reach and MetroFibre. This makes home internet more affordable and accessible in many communities.

How are networks preparing for load‑shedding?

Operators are investing in battery backups, generators and renewable/hybrid power at towers and data centres to maintain service during outages. For households, ISP‑approved router backup solutions or UPS systems help keep home networks online.

How do I choose between fibre, fixed wireless and mobile data?

Consider fibre where available for consistent high speeds and low latency; fixed wireless for quick, cost‑effective unlimited options when fibre isn’t possible; and mobile data for on‑the‑go connectivity. Consider price, installation time, caps and reliability when deciding.