Cell C operates as a network operator, though it now operates largely via virtualised RAN on partner infrastructure (MTN and Vodacom) rather than owning its own RAN. It also hosts MVNOs (Source), (Source).
South Africa
Valid from
Organization: Any kind of organization. The Organization class represents a kind of Agent corresponding to social instititutions such as companies, societies etc.
About
Founded in 2001 by Lehlohonolo Moloi as a challenger mobile operator. In June 2023, Cell C completed network migration to use partner infrastructure (Vodacom and MTN), moving away from its own RAN. It has adopted a network-sharing ("asset-light") model, relying on multi-operator core network (MOCN) with access to ~28,000 towers (Source), (Source).
Operator Characteristics
Retail-only ISP?
Yes
Cell C is retail-only; it operates via virtualised RAN on partner infrastructure (MTN and Vodacom) rather than owning its own network infrastructure (Source), (Source).
Wholesale-only Network Operator?
No
Cell C is not wholesale-only; it sells directly to end users (mobile and fixed services), though it also hosts MVNOs (Source), (Source).
Business-only ISP?
No
Cell C is not business-only; it serves both consumer and business customers (Source).