WhatsApp is eating South African operators’ revenue

South Africa's mobile operators carried 21.5% more voice traffic in 2025 but earned R10.4-billion less in mobile services revenue, according to Icasa's State of the ICT Sector report. The decline was driven by OTT substitution — platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal — with SMS/MMS revenue collapsing 37.9% and prepaid messaging down 49.2%. Meanwhile, fixed broadband thrived, with fibre-to-the-home subscriptions exceeding three million for the first time and fixed internet revenue growing 16.1%. Total telecoms investment shifted accordingly, with mobile investment falling 21% while fixed-wired investment rose 11.9%. Icasa is now recommending a market inquiry into OTT services and their competitive impact on the ICT sector.