Cell C Achieves Historic First in Mobile Network Reliability in South Africa

Cell C  has been independently recognised as Joint #1 for Mobile Network Reliability, Joint #1 for Video Experience and Joint#1 for Voice App Experience in South Africa.

For the first time in its history, Cell C has secured the top spot in Network Reliability in South Africa, as awarded by global independent authority Opensignal. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Cell C’s journey, underscoring the strength of its network transformation and its commitment to delivering dependable connectivity.

In addition to this landmark achievement, Cell C was also awarded the top position for Video Experience and named a top position for Voice App Experience as a joint winner, further validating the network’s progress across multiple dimensions of customer experience. The recognition confirms that Cell C customers receive reliable performance nationwide – a clear signal that nothing should stop you.

A proven track record of progress

These latest results build on a series of independent wins over the past year;

In August 2024, Cell C was named South Africa’s outright winner for Video Experience, and joint winner for Upload Speed Experience alongside MTN.
By early 2025, the operator earned the title of “Global Rising Star ranking among the Most Improved Network Experiences”, a rare dual achievement, alongside Global Rising Star in Video and Upload speed categories.
Now, achieving joint #1 in Reliability demonstrates that Cell C’s strategy and execution are paying off. These wins spotlight Cell C’s genuine gains in user experience, even before reliability took the lead.

“Reliability and video aren’t just metrics – they shape how people live today. From streaming and gaming to online learning or running a small business, our customers can now depend on Cell C in the moments that matter most.”

–  Jorge Mendes, CEO, Cell C

 

Reliability leads the way

Reliability has long been a pain point for South African consumers, but that’s changing. For the first time, Cell C has placed in this category, keeping customers connected. This award marks a significant milestone for Cell C, indicating that the company now excels in its core responsibility of maintaining customer connectivity.

Powered by a pioneering national dual MOCN (Multi-Operator Core Network) model, enabling access to more than 28,000 towers nationwide, Cell C now delivers a network that supports real human needs: For students, this means uninterrupted access to online learning. For small businesses, it means greater reliability in serving their customers. And for families, it means staying connected when it matters most.

Video experience defines the future

With the world shifting to video-first, Cell C’s recognition as joint winner proves its network is already delivering what matters: smooth, buffer-free streaming, clearer video calls, and uninterrupted virtual meetings.

Joint No.1 in voice apps: conversations without barriers

With joint #1 Voice App Experience, calls on popular communication apps (like WhatsApp, Teams and similar platforms) feel clearer and more consistent – vital for side-hustles, customer support, study groups and staying close to loved ones abroad.

Reliability is paramount as it underpins every call, message, and connection and Cell C is making further investments in improvements in voice quality and has taken has already taken bold steps – including launching Africa’s first cloud-native VoLTE solution – to enhance call quality and consistency.

“We are proud that independent data validates what our customers are experiencing every day – a network they can count on. Reliability is the foundation of connectivity. If you can’t stay connected, nothing else matters. We’ve made progress where it mattered most, and we are committed to taking voice and other services to the next level”

– Schalk Visser, Chief Technology Officer, Cell C (South Africa)

 

Investing in What Matters

Cell C’s success stems from an agile, partnership-driven strategy:

• Leveraging advanced network-sharing partnerships to expand coverage and improve quality without unnecessary duplication.
• Targeting investments in technologies like VoLTE and video optimisation to directly improve customer experience.
• Continuing to focus on affordability and value, ensuring that every South African has access to digital services.

Cell C’s transformation is not only technical, it’s putting the customer at the centre and the telco remains committed to offering South Africans accessible connectivity through affordability. The operator’s capex-light model ensures investment goes into better network experience without higher costs for customers. As the home of MVNOs, Cell C continues to deliver affordable, reliable digital access for all South Africans.

“We know our journey isn’t finished. Voice improvements and further innovations are underway, but this milestone proves that we’re moving in the right direction. We’re humbled by this recognition – and we dedicate it to our customers, who have believed in us. We will keep fighting to make digital connectivity reliable and accessible to every South African.”

– Jorge Mendes, CEO, Cell C

While reliability and video are proven, voice quality remains a focus area. Cell C has pioneered Africa’s first cloud-native VoLTE solution via AWS, laying the foundation for scalable, high-quality voice services.

“We are proud of how far we have come, but we’re not done yet. Voice is our next frontier, and our customers can be confident we are making the right investments to close that gap. The achievement highlights our commitment to delivering not just great value, but reliable connectivity – ensuring that nothing should stop our customers.”

– Jorge Mendes, CEO, Cell C