Despite fixed telephone subscriptions falling by 13% to only 35,000 users due to persistent copper wire theft, the telecommunications industry revenue grew by 6% to reach E2.71 billion.
This is according to the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) Annual Report 2025.
The report reveals that the 6% revenue increase was driven by strong performances from both mobile and fixed network operators. Mobile network operator revenue for the past year rose by 5% to E2.34 billion, while fixed operator earnings reached a more modest E370 million.
According to the report, the mobile segment continues to expand rapidly, with mobile cellular SIM subscriptions surging by 11% to 1.74 million active users and mobile broadband subscriptions rising by 14% to 1.43 million active users. These gains are pushed by market penetration, which sits at 143% for mobile cellular networks and 118% for mobile broadband, highlighting the dominance of mobile-first connectivity in Eswatini.
Additionally, employment in the telecommunications sector also showed modest growth, rising by 0.3% to 957 workers. The uptick came from a 3% increase in fixed network jobs, offsetting a 7% contraction among mobile operators.
The report notes that the growth reflects continued investment in infrastructure and competitive mobile bundles that have stimulated domestic voice phone traffic, even as international and roaming traffic shrinks due to the rise of over-the-top (OTT) services.
Over-the-top (OTT) services are internet-based applications like WhatsApp, Skype, and Netflix that deliver communication or media directly to users, bypassing traditional telecom networks.
By contrast, the report states that fixed telephone subscriptions continue to fall, dropping by 13% to only 35,000 active users due to persistent copper theft, while total fixed broadband subscriptions declined by 3%. The 3% reduction in broadband subscriptions was largely driven by a sharp 47% fall in fixed-wired broadband connections, although fixed-wireless broadband grew by 15% to 27,489 users.
Looking forward, the regulator notes that its priorities include expanding broadband coverage, preparing for 5G network adoption, and ensuring affordability amidst subdued sector growth and rising consumer price pressures.