South African app-based networks rocking

Multiple small mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) have launched prepaid mobile data services in the past 18 months that offer excellent value for money.

These operators also make the switch to their networks easy with digital-only sign-ups through their mobile apps and websites.

All of the MVNOs rely on mobile network infrastructure provided by Cell C, MTN, and Vodacom to offer their cellular services.

The MVNOs have none of their own network maintenance costs, employ less staff, and require less office space.

None of these MVNOs has physical branches, which act as important points of sign-up and aftersales service for conventional mobile networks.

To facilitate customer onboarding, they offer downloadable eSIMs and physical SIMs via courier delivery, often for free or at very low prices for first-time buyers.

They also offer an electronic RICA process that allows users to submit a photo, copy of their ID, and proof of address without visiting a store.

The first two MVNOs to launch prepaid eSIMs were Ignition Group’s Me&You Mobile and UConnect, which rolled out their products in August 2024.

They were followed by former Supersonic managing director Calvin Collet’s MTN-roaming Melon Mobile in September 2024.

Afrihost Air Mobile’s relaunch in February 2024 also brought eSIM capability to one of the country’s oldest MVNOs and saw the Internet service provider (ISP) expand its data bundles.

MyBroadband compared the mobile data prices of some of these MVNOs to see whether they were worth considering for consumers who prioritised pricing.

Afrihost Air Mobile offered particularly impressive pricing, with the cheapest 1GB, 2GB, 3GB, 5G, 10GB, 15GB, 20GB, 40GB, and 100GB bundles.

Capitec Connect, Shoprite K’Nect, and Spot Money also offer attractive pricing but were excluded because they require visiting a branch or opening up a bank account to take up a subscription.

Unlimited calling packages

In addition to offering highly competitive mobile data prices, two of the MVNOs have affordable unlimited calling plans based on MTN’s bombshell SuperFlex packages that it launched last year.

Melon Mobile and Spot Mobile both offer 5GB of monthly mobile data and unlimited voice minutes from R199 per month.

Melon Mobile’s offer includes uncapped SMSs, while Spot Mobile’s comes with an extra R50 airtime every month and a once-off sign-up bonus of 1GB mobile data.

These plans are more affordable than the R299 entry-level price point of MTN Superflex, which bundles 10GB mobile data with unlimited calls and SMSs.

Customers who want more data on Melon Mobile and Spot Mobile can also opt for this plan, at the same price as on MTN.

All things considered, upstart MVNOs are making a strong case for consideration for those customers who are looking for the most affordable data-focused or unlimited calling plans.

The table below compares the unlimited calling plans available from Melon Mobile, Spot Mobile, and MTN.