In the newly released 2025 Mobile Voice Network Quality Report, MTN surpasses Vodacom, solidifying its position as the top-performing legacy voice call provider in South Africa. The research, produced by MyBroadband Insights, was based on 34,323 test calls covering more than 10,000 kilometers across cities, towns, and national roads between May 20 and July 7, 2025.
To ensure a fair, technology-neutral assessment of call performance, researchers compared five operators—MTN, Vodacom, Rain, Telkom, and Cell C—against international benchmarks using advanced Keysight Nemo testing systems on high-end handsets. This extensive testing approach provided a detailed picture of how each network performs under real-world conditions, offering consumers an accurate reflection of what they can expect in everyday communication.
The study evaluated four key performance indicators: Call Setup Success Ratio, Dropped Call Ratio, Call Setup Time, and Mean Opinion Score, which measures clarity and audio quality. These results were compared with ICASA’s End-user and Subscriber Charter and scored using the ETSI system, widely recognized across Europe and beyond. With the lowest dropped call ratio and the highest call setup success rate in the country, MTN achieved 77.47 points in this rigorous evaluation. For millions of South Africans who still depend on traditional voice services, this outstanding performance made MTN the most reliable network for both making and receiving calls, reinforcing its reputation as a dependable industry leader.
Vodacom secured second place with 75.09 points, gaining recognition for the fastest call setup time—just 1.91 seconds. However, its slightly higher dropped call ratio prevented it from surpassing MTN. Rain and Telkom tied for third place with scores in the mid-60s, with Rain earning particular praise for the highest voice quality rating (4.48). Unfortunately, Cell C once again performed poorly, finishing last with a score of just 34.09 due to weak reliability, slow setup times, and frequent call drops. For long-frustrated customers, this result was unsurprising, but it underscores the growing challenges Cell C faces in retaining users in an increasingly competitive market.
The survey underscores the continuing importance of voice calls, even as data-driven platforms like Zoom and WhatsApp dominate modern communication. Millions of South Africans still rely on dependable voice connections for emergencies, work, and family interactions, particularly in rural areas where 4G and 5G coverage remains inconsistent. The findings show that consumers continue to judge mobile carriers by their ability to provide a clear and reliable phone call, despite rapid advances in digital services. This explains why the headline result—MTN outperforming Vodacom—resonates so strongly with everyday users who value consistency above all.
The rankings also reveal broader trends in South Africa’s telecom sector. MTN and Vodacom dominate the high-performance segment, while Rain and Telkom show specific strengths without comparable scale or resources. By contrast, Cell C remains far behind and faces major challenges in regaining customer trust. Similar patterns appear internationally, with Vodafone trailing incumbents in parts of Europe while MTN consistently outperforms rivals such as Airtel in Nigeria, proving that reliability is a competitive advantage that travels across markets.
As South Africa expands its 5G coverage and operators invest heavily in data-first services, the need for strong voice networks will persist. The 2025 report confirms that voice communication remains the backbone of mobile connectivity, and MTN’s victory demonstrates that a blend of innovation, consistency, and reliability is what truly distinguishes market leaders in the eyes of consumers.
