Why wireless internet is one of the few affordable bills in South Africa
While the cost of living keeps climbing, South Africa's wireless internet prices are holding steady below inflation. Here is what you need to know.
South Africa's wireless internet prices have remained below the country's general inflation rate, according to the latest Cost of Living report from the Competition Commission.
Between 2020 and 2025, wireless internet price inflation rose slightly before stabilising at an average of 2% for the rest of 2025 onwards, while wired internet cost inflation remained just below 15% over the same period.
Why does affordable internet matter for South Africans?
The commission noted that access to internet services, whether through broadband or mobile data, is a critical component of economic and social participation in South Africa.
For low-income households in particular, data prices can determine whether individuals are able to search for employment, access learning materials, or participate in the digital economy. More and more essential services are migrating online, including banking, education, job applications, government services, and the running of small businesses.
Is South Africa doing enough to lower data costs?
According to My Broadband, while it is encouraging that internet prices remain below overall inflation, the average cost of data is still considered high.
South Africa ranked 31st out of 45 countries in Africa for a monthly 1GB data package in the second quarter of 2025, suggesting there is still room to reduce prices further.
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What are the new rules around unused data bundles?
In January, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) published new regulations requiring mobile network operators to roll over any unused data bundle or portions thereof at least once at the end of a validity period.
The rollover must occur without requiring any action from the customer and without incurring any additional cost, provided the number remains active. The transferred data must be subject to the same terms and conditions as the original bundle.
How do internet prices compare to electricity and water increases?
The picture is far less favourable for electricity and water. South African households are now spending 85% more on electricity than six years ago, while water prices have increased by 65% on average.
Eskom implemented a tariff hike in July 2025, followed by a further increase of 8.76% in April 2026, with an additional hike of 8.83% expected in April 2027.
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