At the same time, the company celebrates a significant industry accolade: being ranked number one in South Africa for Best Video Experience on 4G in the OpenSignal Mobile Network Experience Report, says Cell C.

This independent recognition by OpenSignal, a respected global authority on mobile network experience used widely across South Africa's telecommunications industry, validates the progress made through Cell C's transformation strategy. It also underscores the company's focus on delivering value, affordability and performance where it matters most, says the service provider.

"We are immensely proud and grateful for being recognised by an independent global authority such as OpenSignal. It affirms the strategic decisions we have made to reshape our network model," says Cell C Chief Executive Officer, Jorge Mendes. "We are especially grateful for the strong network partnerships that have enabled us to provide customers with access to South Africa's best and most reliable networks, respectively. Over the past two years, we have significantly improved the customer experience through renegotiating agreements with our Network partners, and this recognition shows that our efforts are making a real difference."

Cell C was also recognised globally as a Rising Star for Most Improved Network Experience, a rare dual achievement that highlights the success of the company's transition to a virtualised Radio Access Network model, enabled by the innovative MOCN (Multi-Operator Core Network) strategy. This model allows Cell C to provide its customers with extensive access to more than 28 000 towers, combining the infrastructure of two top-tier partner networks, one widely regarded as South Africa's best network, with approximately 14 000 towers and the other known for as the most reliable network, with approximately 14 000 towers, adds the service provider.

"The shift towards a virtualised network has allowed us to move faster, innovate smarter and focus on what truly matters: giving customers access to the best and most reliable networks in South Africa," says Cell C Chief Technology Officer, Schalk Visser. "It's not about who owns the towers, it's about how well the network performs in the moments that matter to our users."

Cell C's advertising campaign, 'Now on SA's Best Network', was developed to mark a critical milestone in its transformation journey. Over the past two years, Cell C has closed the quality gap by renegotiating agreements that ensure full parity of service with partner networks. This means that Cell C customers now enjoy the same quality of experience, including expanded coverage, consistent speeds, reliability and improved performance as those on the top networks themselves, says the service provider.

Importantly, OpenSignal's award proves that this transformation is not just internal, it's being felt by customers across the country. From streaming shows and connecting on social media, to completing online courses or video calling loved ones, Cell C customers now experience the kind of reliable, high-quality video performance they expect, without 5G, adds the service provider.

According to Cell C, with 5G availability planned for later this year, the experience is only set to improve further.

"We are delivering the best video experience today, without 5G. Just imagine the possibilities once 5G is available on the Cell C network later this year," adds Mendes.

Cell C's evolution into a leaner, smarter and more agile challenger telco is also enabling it to solidify its role as the Home of MVNOs in South Africa, making quality mobile access more affordable for more people. As a brand that has long stood for value, this recognition reinforces Cell C's promise to give customers smart access to the digital world at great prices South Africans have come to know from Cell C, says the service provider.

"This recognition speaks directly to what matters most to us and our customers, performance where it counts," concludes Mendes. "Whether you're streaming your favourite series, attending a virtual lecture, or video calling your family, Cell C delivers."

For more information, visit www.cellc.co.za. You can also follow Cell C on Facebook, X, or on Instagram. 

*Image courtesy of Facebook