South Africa’s mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) market is booming, with around 23 players serving an estimated 4.8 million active subscribers at the end of 2024.

BMIT’s MVNO report says the market for these “mobile resellers” is predicted to more than double to around 12 million by 2029, at a compound annual growth rate of 18%. The selling point for these players is simplicity, flexibility and value for money, something they’re able to provide because they’re piggybacking on somebody else’s infrastructure.