These are the favourite MVNOs in South Africa

Afrihost’s Air Mobile is the clear favourite mobile virtual network operator among South African technology professionals. This was revealed in a recent survey by Analytico that reached more than 3,800 respondents.

Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are companies that don’t own a mobile spectrum licence but sell cellular services using the infrastructure of a licensed mobile operator.

South Africa’s biggest mobile virtual network enabler is Cell C, even though it no longer operates its own radio access network.

MTN is another major player in the space. In addition to offering wholesale services for MVNOs, MTN also builds and maintains Cell C’s cellular network infrastructure.

Upstream providers like MTN and Cell C allow companies specialising in other services to offer a customised mobile experience for their clients without building their own complete network.

Afrihost is one of the top ISPs in South Africa, and its Air Mobile MVNO recently relaunched with a free 10GB data bundle and eSIM support.

Air Mobile received 38% of the votes when respondents were asked which MVNO they would use if they had to sign up today.

The other most popular MVNOs are all run by banks, with FNB Connect on top with 24%.

FNB Connect offers FNB clients some discounted or free mobile services together with the eBucks reward program.

Capitec Connect was selected by 15% of the respondents and is known for its cheap data that does not expire.

Standard Bank Mobile only got 8% of the votes, but shows that even less popular bank-based MVNOs can reach many clients.

It still beat many big names such as Axxess Mobile, Melon Mobile, and MVNOs offered by various chain stores such as PnP, Shoprite and Mr. Price.

The table below shows the brand popularity of the biggest MVNOs in South Africa.