5G has long been seen as a premium technology – faster, more powerful, and typically reserved for users in wealthy urban areas. But in South Africa, things are changing. MTN, one of the country’s largest mobile networks, has taken bold steps in 2025 to bring the benefits of 5G to more people across the nation.
With rising demand for faster internet, remote work, and online learning, the need for accessible high-speed connectivity has never been greater. From urban centers to small towns and townships, MTN is reshaping its network strategy to include more South Africans in the 5G conversation.
Let’s explore the five key ways MTN is making 5G more accessible in South Africa.
Expanding 5G Coverage to Smaller Cities and Towns
One of MTN’s most impactful moves has been its rapid expansion of 5G coverage beyond major metros like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. In the past, 5G was mostly limited to high-income suburbs and business districts. That’s no longer the case.
In 2025, MTN has invested in rolling out 5G infrastructure in mid-sized towns and smaller cities, including:
- Polokwane
- Mbombela
- Bloemfontein
- Rustenburg
- East London
This shift is critical for bridging the digital divide. By installing more 5G base stations and upgrading existing towers with dual-mode 4G/5G hardware, MTN is making it possible for a larger portion of the population to access next-generation speeds.
Many of these areas previously struggled with stable 4G connections. Now, 5G is becoming a reality where few expected it.
Introducing Affordable 5G-Compatible Devices
Having 5G coverage is only half the equation. For users to benefit, they need phones or routers that can access 5G networks. MTN has partnered with several smartphone brands to offer entry-level and mid-range 5G-enabled devices at significantly lower prices than in previous years.
Popular affordable 5G phones now offered on MTN plans include:
- Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 5G
- TECNO Spark 20 Pro 5G
- Vivo Y100 5G
- Huawei Nova 12 SE 5G
Prices for these devices start as low as R3,999 when bundled with a contract or data package.
This growing range of affordable 5G devices is essential for widespread adoption. MTN is also working with device manufacturers to offer trade-in programs, where older 3G or 4G phones can be swapped for discounted 5G models.
Data Bundles Tailored for 5G Users
Speed is one of 5G’s main selling points, but that speed can lead to higher data consumption. MTN understands that cost is a barrier for many users, so they’ve introduced new data plans specifically tailored to 5G users who want speed without breaking the bank.
These plans include:
- EverydayGigs 5G – Daily, weekly, or monthly plans with large caps at lower prices
- MyMTN Home 5G – Uncapped wireless broadband for homes using 5G routers
- 5G Flexi Plans – Customisable packages for casual users who want to top up when needed
Here’s a quick look at some of MTN’s latest 5G data deals:
| Plan Name | Data Allowance | Price (Monthly) | Speed Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| EverydayGigs 5G | 25GB + 25GB | R199 | Full 5G speeds |
| MyMTN Home 5G | Uncapped | R599 | Fair Use Policy |
| 5G Flexi Starter | 10GB | R99 | 5G/4G fallback |
By offering flexible, transparent plans, MTN makes 5G data less intimidating and more usable for the average consumer. This helps more users take advantage of the network without fear of unexpected costs.
Converting 4G Sites to 5G-Compatible Towers
MTN’s 5G strategy is built on top of its strong 4G foundation. Instead of building an entirely separate 5G network from scratch, MTN has upgraded many of its existing LTE sites with 5G-ready equipment. This approach lowers costs and speeds up deployment.
These “dual-mode” towers support both 4G and 5G signals, meaning:
- Areas with existing MTN 4G now often also have 5G signals
- Devices can switch automatically between networks based on signal strength
- Coverage gaps are minimized, especially in semi-urban and peri-urban zones
The result is a more consistent and stable user experience. MTN’s engineers report that in 2025 alone, over 1,200 base stations across South Africa have been upgraded to support 5G connectivity.
This hybrid rollout strategy is making a significant difference in bringing high-speed internet to areas that were previously underserved.
Investing in Education and 5G Awareness
Technology is only useful if people understand how to use it. Recognising this, MTN has launched a public education campaign to demystify 5G and help users transition from older networks.
Key aspects of this campaign include:
- In-store demonstrations of 5G performance and coverage maps
- Tutorials on how to set up 5G routers and activate 5G phones
- Awareness drives in rural and township areas to explain the benefits of 5G
- Training small businesses on how to use 5G for mobile payments, e-commerce, and remote work
This outreach helps reduce hesitation around new technology, especially among older users or those who might be suspicious of sudden changes. MTN has also worked with schools and NGOs to support digital learning programs using 5G internet in under-resourced areas.
The Bigger Picture – Why This Matters
South Africa is not just catching up with global trends; it’s building a uniquely local path to high-speed connectivity. With data playing a central role in everything from education to business to healthcare, 5G has the potential to drive real economic and social change.
MTN’s five-pronged approach – coverage expansion, affordable devices, tailored data plans, infrastructure upgrades, and public education – is setting a strong example of how a telecom giant can deliver technology that includes, rather than excludes.
At a time when access to information and opportunity is tied to internet speed and reliability, MTN’s work in 2025 is more than just good business – it’s a step toward a more connected and equal society.
As adoption grows, the benefits will continue to ripple outward. Faster connections, smarter devices, and more empowered users will shape the future of South Africa’s digital economy.