MTN has the best mobile network in South Africa – according to the Mobile Network Quality report by MyBroadband Insights. The report is based on 310,868-speed tests which were performed by thousands of MyBroadband Speed Test App users across South Africa between 1 January and 31 March 2020.
The research shows that South Africa had an average mobile download speed of 25.57Mbps and an average upload speed of 9.07Mbps.
MTN had the highest average download speed at 43.47Mbps, followed by Vodacom on 29.79Mbps, Telkom on 19.11Mbps, Cell C on 17.52Mbps and Rain on 15.20Mbps.
Best mobile network in South Africa
To determine the best mobile network in South Africa, a “Network Quality Score” was calculated for each network using download speed, upload speed, and latency.
The Network Quality Score out of 10 then shows how the network performed in relation to other networks.
MTN reigned supreme with a Network Quality Score of 9.69, followed by Vodacom on 7.13, Rain on 5.51, Cell C on 5.00, and Telkom on 4.61.
The table below provides an overview of the mobile network rankings in South Africa.
| Network Operator | Download Speed (Mbps) | Upload Speed (Mbps) | Latency (ms) | Network Quality Score |
| MTN | 43.47 | 14.40 | 35 | 9.69 |
| Vodacom | 29.79 | 10.77 | 38 | 7.13 |
| Rain | 15.20 | 10.13 | 29 | 5.51 |
| Cell C | 17.52 | 8.13 | 40 | 5.00 |
| Telkom | 19.11 | 4.49 | 44 | 4.61 |
The best networks in Johannesburg, Tshwane, Cape Town and Durban
The latest MyBroadband Mobile Network Quality Report includes network quality rankings for South Africa’s major cities.
MTN was a clear winner in all South African cities – Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Tshwane.
