Data provider rain made its debut in South Africa’s mobile market by launching a 4G mobile network, putting it in competition with the country’s three other voice call providers, according to reports.
Rain had primarily concentrated on the home internet market up until now.
In 2018, the operator launched South Africa’s first 4G data-only network, and in 2019, the country’s first commercial 5G network. However, after acquiring spectrum in the 2022 auction, rain’s 4G network now offers more comprehensive coverage, allowing it to enter the market as a full mobile network operator, becoming the fourth telco to offer national coverage in voice, SMS, and data, following Vodacom, MTN, and Telkom.
Despite discussions about a potential acquisition with No.3 mobile network provider Telkom ending earlier this year, rain has decided to expand on its own.
Rain CEO Brandon Leigh stated that the network’s expansion indicated their seriousness about becoming a major player in the mobile market.
