Good news about mobile data prices in South Africa

Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, said that his Department has prioritised data affordability in South Africa.

He shared this information in response to a Parliamentary question from National Assembly member Wiseman Ngobese about data costs.

Ngobese asked Malatsi about measurable targets his department has set to reduce data costs and increase internet access.

The Minister responded, saying that his Department has prioritised the affordability of data and digital communications.

This, he said, formed part of the government’s broader objective of ensuring affordable and meaningful connectivity for all South Africans.

The Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP) 2025–2029 sets an end-term target of a 60% reduction in data costs.

The Department’s 2026/27 Annual Performance Plan (APP) does not set a separate annual percentage target for reducing data costs.

However, it contains a target under the Digital Society and Economy program to finalise a market analysis study for the Cost to Communicate Programme.

“The study will assess pricing, competition, cost drivers and affordability in the communications sector to inform interventions,” Malatsi said.

He added that data prices have already declined by 35% to 40% since 2025, which makes internet access more affordable to consumers.

 “We continue to monitor data prices and affordability to assess progress towards the MTDP target,” he said.

The Department has also developed a Cost to Communicate Programme of Action, which assesses the factors contributing to communication costs.

“It also identifies appropriate policy and strategic interventions relating to the costs of mobile and fixed data, voice services and smart devices,” he said.

Meaningful internet access in South Africa

Malatsi said that the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies has a strong focus on expanding meaningful internet access.

“The MTDP 2025–2029 sets targets of 60% of households connected by fibre and more than 50% of households having fixed connectivity,” he said.

The Department’s 2026/27 APP also includes implementation targets to support increased access, particularly in underserved communities.

• Connecting 2,000 government and public facilities through universal service obligations, including schools, clinics, hospitals, traditional offices and libraries.

• Verifying 20% of connected public Wi-Fi sites, equivalent to 1,143 of the 5,714 connected sites.

The APP also provides for the implementation of priority initiatives under the Digital Transformation Roadmap.

This is aimed at addressing affordability, access to devices, connectivity gaps and digital inclusion, particularly in underserved communities.

Through SA Connect Wi-Fi deployments, the Department is enabling low-income and rural communities to access the internet.

The zero-rating of national government e-services will further enable users to access essential online government services without incurring data costs.