MTN SA, Vodacom, Telkom, others lost $12m to telecoms theft in 2025, a 189% surge

Telecoms theft in South Africa increased by 189% to $12 million (R201.5 million) in 2025 from $4.13 million (R69.6 million) in 2024. The surge highlights increasing security challenges faced by telcos and the increasing cost of operation.

According to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa’s (ICASA) latest State of the ICT Sector report, the development makes theft the dominant cost driver for SA telcos in 2025. It also reflects increased cable theft traced to the equipment resale markets and weaknesses in infrastructure protection.

In an explanation for the reports’ methodology, ICASA said findings were gathered from Statistics South Africa’s General Household Survey 2024, the International Telecommunication Union’s 2024 and 2025 reports, and an Ookla report. It added that a questionnaire collecting data from telcos up to September 2025 was also used. 

Aside from the increased operational cost emanating from theft, telcos incurred additional costs on backup power equipment, such as batteries and generators. More was also spent on the fuel (diesel) used to power infrastructure and facilities.

Data from ICASA revealed that sector-oriented battery costs rose by 171.8% from $10.3 million (R173.8 million) in 2024 to $23 million (R387.7 million) in 2025, while the number of batteries acquired increased from 44,708 to 84,829.

Also, spending on generators rose to $28 million (R426.8 million) from $12.6 million (R211.5 million) while the number of generators bought increased from 855 in 2024 to 1,969 in 2025.

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SA telecom operators in deep waters

The spike in daily operational costs incurred by SA telecom operators has raised the debate on how capital spending has been redirected from infrastructural upgrades to the repair of existing infrastructure. This extends to refocusing funds for network upgrades on power generation. 

CEO of the Association of Comms & Technology (ACT), Nomvuyiso Batyi, in a TechCentral report, noted that power outages, infrastructure theft and vandalism are forcing telecom operators to run over their budgets, thereby creating a tough macroeconomic environment. 

“Telecommunications networks require constant power to operate, and our members report burning more diesel now due to power outages and vandalism, because wherever there are power outages, vandalism also increases,” Batyi said.

Amid these circumstances, she noted that operators are facing intense pressure to meet ICASA’s minimum 90% uptime on voice call services and other quality of service recommendations. In reality, she stressed that no telecom operator will meet these set targets in light of the challenges and tough market environment.

Spillover effects 

The ripple effect of the market condition is already telling on consumers. 

In March, Telkom introduced an 8% increase to its voice and data plans, effective April 1. The operator said the adjustment is aimed at sustaining quality service amid rising operating costs and broader macroeconomic factors.

While the hike is pivotal to its future earnings, the operator took a critical action to sustain its books in reaction to South Africa’s unfavourable economic conditions.

MTN South Africa is also witnessing a tough phase. With harsh market operations, the operator saw  2% growth in service revenue in 2025, which resulted in losing its position to MTN Nigeria as the top revenue-yielding market to the group.

Although a larger part of the effect was attributed to increased competition in its prepaid business.