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World’s Largest Mobile Virtual Network Operator Chooses South Africa As Regional Launchpad

World’s Largest Mobile Virtual Network Operator Chooses South Africa As Regional Launchpad

British mobile virtual network operator Lycamobile is expanding into Africa, and has chosen South Africa as its first sub-Saharan African market.

As the biggest mobile virtual network operators in the world, Lycamobile’s expansion to South Africa will be its first in the region, as well as the 23rd country within their list of global markets, according to TechCentral.

These markets include Australia, numerous European countries including the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, Hong Kong in Asia and the U.S. In North Africa Lycamobile already provides its services in Tunisia.

The operator will use South African mobile network provider Cell C’s nationwide network in order to provide its services to local customers.

It was revealed earlier this year that the UK company would bring their offering to South African audiences, but further information was not provided at the time, and now it is clear that Cell C will partner with the mobile virtual network operator.

“Following this launch, South Africans will have the opportunity to connect with friends and family through Lycamobile’s low-cost calling, texting and data services,” Cell C said in a statement, according to ITNewsAfrica.

Mobile virtual network operator touching down in Africa

Lyca Group chairman Allirajah Subaskaran explained the company’s decision to choose South Africa as their first market within sub-Sarahan Africa, ahead of expansion into further African countries.

“As one of the most influential and technologically advanced countries in the region, South Africa is a natural choice for Lycamobile, as we continue to expand further into the thriving African telecommunications space,” said Subaskaran, according to Businesstech.

Founded in 2006, Lycamobile now serves 15 million customers throughout the world. The mobile virtual network operator’s expansion plan includes markets in sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia and Latin America.

Lycamobile’s entry into the South African telecoms space brings competition to an ever-growing sector of South Africa’s economy, with around 85 million unique mobile subscriptions, ITNewsAfrica reports.