Key Takeaways:
Fixed-line decline continues: Subscriptions dropped by 7.94% in the past year, reflecting a long-term downward trend in landline use.
VoIP adoption accelerates: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are driving uptake due to cost savings, flexibility, and remote work capabilities.
Broadband growth fuels VoIP: A 3.43% increase in broadband subscriptions strengthens the infrastructure supporting VoIP adoption.
Legacy to modern transition: South Africa’s landline legacy, once dominated by Telkom, is giving way to internet-based voice solutions.
VoIP seen as future-ready: With mobile voice and data dominating, VoIP offers a scalable, cost-effective solution aligned with digital transformation goals.
Regulatory momentum helps: ICASA’s support for number portability and competitive pricing environments bolsters VoIP providers.
Digital inclusion improves: VoIP plays a role in democratizing access to voice services, especially in underserved or remote areas.
South Africa’s telecommunications landscape is undergoing a profound transformation. The once-dominant fixed-line telephone service is steadily fading into obsolescence, replaced by agile, internet-based technologies like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).
According to the 2025 State of the ICT Sector Report, fixed-line voice subscriptions declined by 7.94% in the past year, continuing a long-standing downward trend. Yet interestingly, fixed network voice traffic rose by 8.12%, indicating lingering reliance in certain sectors—particularly government and large enterprises with entrenched infrastructure.
But the real momentum is behind VoIP.
Historical Context: From Landlines to Digital Disruption
For decades, fixed-line telephony was synonymous with South Africa’s telecommunications infrastructure. Telkom, the country’s primary fixed-line operator, maintained a near-monopoly over voice services throughout the late 20th century. A landline was once seen as a sign of stability and credibility—especially for businesses.
However, this dominance began to erode in the early 2000s with the rise of mobile telephony and, later, internet-based communication. The high cost of maintaining copper line infrastructure, along with sluggish rollout to underserved areas, created gaps that mobile networks quickly filled. Meanwhile, liberalisation of the telecoms sector and the entry of new players began to shift the balance.
By the 2010s, mobile phones had leapfrogged fixed-line services in both coverage and user preference. The limited scalability of landline infrastructure—especially in rural or informal areas—stood in sharp contrast to the rapid deployment of cellular towers and, eventually, broadband fibre. As broadband access improved, it paved the way for VoIP to emerge not just as an alternative, but as a logical successor.
Why VoIP Is Taking Over
VoIP offers clear advantages: it’s cheaper, scalable, and supports remote work—a non-negotiable for many modern businesses. These benefits are especially attractive to SMEs, which form the backbone of South Africa’s economy and are often more agile in adopting digital tools.
VoIP doesn’t require costly copper-line infrastructure. Instead, it rides on South Africa’s expanding broadband networks, which grew by 3.43% year-over-year. This growth makes internet-based calling more accessible, especially in underserved or rural areas where mobile connectivity outpaces fixed-line development.
Supporting Trends in the ICT Sector
The broader ICT landscape confirms this shift. With over 116 million mobile voice and data subscriptions, mobile networks dominate user preferences. VoIP fits naturally into this mobile-first ecosystem—especially as more people use apps like WhatsApp, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams for both business and personal communication.
The line between traditional telecoms and digital communication is blurring. VoIP, supported by mobile data and fiber rollouts, is becoming the default voice solution, not just an alternative.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the clear benefits, VoIP does face challenges:
Power instability (load shedding) affects internet connectivity, which VoIP relies on.
Quality of Service (QoS) can be inconsistent without proper bandwidth management.
Cybersecurity becomes more critical as voice and data converge.
However, these are hurdles—not roadblocks. With investment in reliable power, network resilience, and security protocols, VoIP is well-positioned to become the future of voice communication in South Africa.
Future Outlook: A VoIP-Driven Communications Ecosystem
Looking ahead, the trajectory is clear: VoIP will become a core pillar of communication in South Africa’s digital economy. Several factors support this outlook.
First, broadband penetration is improving steadily. According to the 2025 ICT Sector Report, broadband subscriptions grew by 3.43% year-on-year. This growth enhances VoIP’s viability, as reliable, high-speed internet is essential for call quality and service stability.
Second, the demand for remote and hybrid work solutions is here to stay. VoIP’s compatibility with mobile apps, cloud platforms, and integrated communication suites makes it a natural fit for the evolving work environment—especially for SMEs and distributed teams.
Third, cost-efficiency remains a major driver. As inflation and economic uncertainty persist, businesses are under pressure to reduce operational expenses. VoIP offers compelling savings on domestic and international calls, equipment, and maintenance, without sacrificing professionalism or scalability.
Finally, the integration of VoIP with AI and automation—such as chatbots, IVR systems, call analytics, and CRM platforms—adds value far beyond voice. As these technologies mature, they will make VoIP even more attractive across sectors such as customer service, logistics, healthcare, and education.
That said, challenges remain. Issues like cyber security, network reliability in underserved areas, and regulatory clarity around VoIP licensing will require coordinated attention from both private and public sector stakeholders.
Nonetheless, the writing is on the wall: VoIP is no longer a stopgap. It’s the foundation of a new era in South African communication—one that is mobile, flexible, cost-effective, and future-ready.
Conclusion: Embracing a Voice-First Digital Future
As we move deeper into a digitally driven era, VoIP is more than just a substitute for landlines—it’s a foundation for modern communication. With the steady decline of fixed-line usage and the simultaneous growth of mobile and broadband infrastructure, the conditions are ripe for VoIP to become the default voice solution across sectors. Businesses that embrace this shift now will not only cut costs but also position themselves for greater agility, scalability, and competitiveness in the years to come.
