New research from Opensignal reveals that South African 5G smartphone users spent an average of 88% of their time connected to 4G networks during the first quarter of 2026, according to a report published on June 23, 2026. The study, which analyzed real-world user data, highlights the limited availability of 5G coverage despite the growing adoption of 5G-capable devices.
Opensignal's analysis found that users on South Africa's major networks—including Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom—experienced 5G connectivity only about 12% of the time. This is significantly lower than in other countries with more mature 5G deployments, such as South Korea or the United States, where 5G availability often exceeds 50%.
The report attributes the low 5G usage to several factors, including limited spectrum allocation, high infrastructure costs, and the geographic challenges of rolling out 5G across South Africa's vast and varied terrain. Additionally, many 5G-capable phones may default to 4G in areas where 5G signals are weak or unavailable, further reducing the time users spend on the newer standard.
Despite the low connectivity time, Opensignal noted that when users did connect to 5G, they experienced significantly faster download speeds—often three to four times higher than 4G. The average 5G download speed in South Africa was recorded at around 150 Mbps, compared to 35 Mbps on 4G.
The findings underscore the gap between 5G device adoption and actual network coverage in South Africa, as operators continue to expand their 5G infrastructure. Opensignal suggests that users may need to wait for further spectrum auctions and network upgrades to see meaningful improvements in 5G availability.
