Roman Khalenkov from our team co-authored this piece with Satya Mekala from WTL, our partner in delivering MVNO infrastructure. It was first published on the WTL blog – we’re sharing it here because the dynamics it covers are directly relevant to how we think about MVNO monetisation and BSS flexibility.
New Regulations and Growth Opportunities
In this article, you’ll learn how South Africa’s MVNO sector is entering a new phase with more commercial freedom and less rigid regulatory rules. With ICASA’s 2024 amendments to the Mobile Broadband Services Regulations, are helping the MVNO segment to shift toward rewarding MVNOs who are ready to innovate, differentiate themselves, and take more ownership of their service capabilities.
This isn’t deregulation. It’s a recalibration and it creates real opportunity for both established MVNOs and new entrants.
Key Data & Statistics (2025–2026)
- Total Subscribers: MVNO SIMs in South Africa are projected to grow from 5.91 million in 2025 to over 8.45 million by 2030, following a surge to 4.3 million by the end of 2023.
- Market Value: The MVNO market is estimated at USD 543.48 million in 2026, projected to exceed USD 780 million by 2031.
- Growth Drivers: New ICASA regulations require network operators to host MVNOs, opening the door for banks, retailers, and niche brands to enter the market and intensify competition.
Read the full article: South Africa’s New MVNO Regulations on WTL.
Explore more MVNO resources: Visit our MVNO Resource Hub to see how PortaOne can help you launch, scale, and differentiate your MVNO offerings.
