Lyca Mobile shuts down in SA

Global mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) Lyca Mobile has shut down its services in South Africa after six years.

Lyca Mobile services in South Africa officially shut down on January 9, 2024, and the company said on its website that users needed to move to another mobile network operator before this date to continue using their mobile numbers.

"It has been six years since Lyca Mobile launched in South Africa. During this time, it has been our privilege to help South Africans connect with friends and family, wherever they are, through our network," the company said.

"Sadly, it is no longer possible for Lyca Mobile to continue providing a service," it added.

Lyca Mobile services in South Africa officially shut down on January 9, 2024. (Source: Lyca Mobile South Africa website)

The MVNO launched in South Africa in 2017 using local mobile network operator Cell C's MVNO platform.

The group didn't give any further details on why it was leaving the market but acknowledged that the closure is disappointing news.

The group said that any unused credit on user accounts was cancelled on January 9, and customers wanting a refund had to do so before that date.

Lyca Mobile's global footprint

Founded in 2006, Lyca Mobile calls itself the world's largest international MVNO with over 16 million customers across 23 countries. In Africa it also operates in Tunisia and Uganda.

In February 2020, Lyca Mobile announced a strategic partnership with Tunisia's state-owned postal and banking service operator, La Poste, with prepaid vouchers and SIM cards sold by cashiers across La Poste's network of over 1,000 branches in Tunisia.

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Earlier this month, Optiva's VP for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Salman Tariq told Connecting Africa that for MVNOs to be successful in 2024 they need to put innovation at the heart of their strategy and embrace artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

*Top image Source: Thrive Images/Alamy Stock Photo

— Paula Gilbert, Editor, Connecting Africa