Internet in Johannesburg: speed, SIM cards and coworking

Updated October 2026Sources

50 MbpsMedian download

Is the internet good in Johannesburg?

Median fixed broadband in South Africa is 50 Mbps and mobile is 70 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Good wifi in malls, cafés and coworking spaces; many have backup power.

Getting online in Johannesburg

	Details
Home fibre	Fibre in most northern suburbs from Openserve, Vumatel and others; 100 Mbps for about R500–R900 a month.
Cafés and coworking	Good wifi in malls, cafés and coworking spaces; many have backup power.
Outages	Load-shedding rare since 2024; water and local power faults still happen.
Tourist SIM	Vodacom and MTN counters at Johannesburg and Cape Town airports; passport and address needed for RICA registration. Data costs more than in much of Africa.
eSIM	Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors.
Carriers	Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, Telkom
Monthly data plan	R200–450 ($12–27)

Coworking spaces in Johannesburg

Spaces we checked are open in 2026. Prices change; confirm on their sites.

Space	Area	Day pass
Regus	Sandton, Rosebank and other business parks	—

Internet speeds in Africa

National medians, Speedtest Global Index.

Country	Fixed	Mobile
Egypt	99 Mbps	52 Mbps
Morocco	57 Mbps	70 Mbps
Botswana	52 Mbps	—
South Africa	50 Mbps	70 Mbps
Tanzania	41 Mbps	33 Mbps
Kenya	23 Mbps	45 Mbps
Namibia	18 Mbps	—

Quick answers

Is the internet fast in Johannesburg?

Median fixed broadband in South Africa is 50 Mbps and mobile is 70 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Good wifi in malls, cafés and coworking spaces; many have backup power.

Which SIM card should I get in Johannesburg?

Vodacom and MTN counters at Johannesburg and Cape Town airports; passport and address needed for RICA registration. Data costs more than in much of Africa.

Can I use an eSIM in South Africa?

Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.

Are there coworking spaces in Johannesburg?

Yes: Regus.

More about Johannesburg

Going to Johannesburg solo?

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Sources

Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.