Vodacom South Africa has officially launched a platform to support mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) and has signed its first client, Mr Price Mobile. With this new partnership, Mr Price Mobile can now activate customers on Vodacom's network, marking the platform’s operational debut.
By creating this enablement platform, Vodacom has become a mobile virtual network enabler (MVNE), offering the infrastructure and back-end services required to support MVNOs.
Interestingly, Vodacom is the third mobile network operator in South Africa to embrace the MVNO model. Cell C pioneered this space and remains the largest host of MVNOs, with Mr Price Mobile continuing to use Cell C’s infrastructure. MTN has also joined the MVNO market.
South Africa’s MVNO market is expanding, with various non-telecom brands, such as Shoprite, FNB, and Capitec, entering the space. Vodacom’s partnership with Mr Price Mobile ensures compliance with ICASA’s requirement for network operators to host and support MVNOs following the 2022 spectrum auction.
A Vodacom spokesperson confirmed the company’s commitment to the MVNO model, stating, “We are now open for business, and we are ready to onboard additional MVNO partners.”
