South African data provider, Rain, has entered the country’s mobile market for the first time by launching a 4G mobile network. The move puts Rain in direct competition with the country’s other three players in voice calls – Vodacom, MTN and Telkom. Until now, Rain has primarily focused on the home internet market.
Rain launched South Africa’s first 4G data-only network in 2018 and the country’s first commercial 5G network in 2019. However, after acquiring spectrum in the 2022 auction, Rain’s 4G network now has a more comprehensive reach, allowing it to enter the market as a full mobile network operator with national coverage in voice, SMS and data.
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Earlier this year, Rain and third-ranked mobile network provider, Telkom, terminated discussions about a potential acquisition of Rain after deciding that a suitable transaction was not possible at that time. Now, Rain has decided to expand on its own. Brandon Leigh, CEO of Rain, said the expansion of Rain’s network demonstrated that “we are serious about being a major player in the mobile market as well”.
