Regulatory Body Reveals Upward Fibre Pricing Trends Amidst Steady Mobile Data Costs

In South Africa, the affordability of internet access has become a pressing issue, as the relief from reduced data prices has not kept pace with other cost-of-living pressures. This concern is echoed by the DataMustFall movement, which continues to voice issues about opaque pricing, sticky retail margins, and the slow pass-through of cost savings to users.

The 2019 Data Services Market Inquiry led to a significant reduction in data prices, with Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom all reducing their 1GB bundles by over 30%. However, this trend seems to have slowed, as wireless internet costs, primarily mobile data, have risen only 1% since 2022.

On the other hand, wired broadband costs have climbed 14% over the same period. This divergence between mobile data and fibre costs highlights a growing inequality in digital access. Heavy users, students, and small businesses increasingly relying on stable fibre connections face higher bills compared to mobile data.

For low-income households, even small increases in internet costs can have significant impacts, as internet access competes with other expenses such as food, transport, and school fees. This is particularly concerning given that over 13 million South Africans are now online, highlighting the importance of internet affordability for economic participation and social equity.

Internet access is now considered an essential service, comparable to electricity or water, making its affordability central to both household budgets and national digital inclusion goals. Yet, steep increases in electricity (up 68% in five years) and water (up 50%) have been observed, contrasting with the modest 1% rise in wireless data costs.

The Competition Commission released a Cost of Living Report in August 2025, examining internet costs in relation to rising living expenses in South Africa. Telecoms companies argue that infrastructure costs, electricity hikes, and network expansion obligations drive their pricing decisions. However, the report does not provide information on the identity of the commission that published the cost proposal for internet costs in South Africa in August 2025.

Some fibre operators have been criticised for pricing their packages far above the market average. This raises questions about competition within the industry and the need for greater transparency in pricing practices. The affordability of internet access remains a critical issue for South Africa, with the potential to impact economic growth and social equity.

Regulatory Body Reveals Upward Fibre Pricing Trends Amidst Steady Mobile Data Costs