STADIO, a South African higher education provider, has launched its own mobile network, STADIO Connect, which it says would provide its students and staff with some of the lowest mobile data prices in the country, as well as data-free access to some resources.
STADIO Connect, the new telecom service provider, is a mobile virtual network operator that runs on the MTN network.
This launch comes as the high cost of mobile data remains one of the most significant obstacles to success for South African youth, according to STADIO.
The cost of data has been a source of worry in South Africa for several years, prompting the Competition Commission to scrutinise how carriers price it.
As a result, the Commission released the Data Services Market Inquiry report, which was critical of telcos, stating that they must drop data prices or face penalties for excessive pricing.
Now, STADIO says with universities shifting towards blended and online learning, reliable internet access has become essential, not just for attending virtual classes but for submitting assignments, accessing academic resources, and staying connected to their studies.
It went on to say the price of data puts these basic learning tools out of reach, which is the reason it is launching its mobile network.
According to Merwe Roux, STADIO’s Chief Information Officer, STADIO Connect has launched at all STADIO campuses nationwide to contact learning students and campus staff.
Access will be rolled out to STADIO’s distance learning students in the second semester of the 2025 academic year, and then to family and friends of STADIO students and staff.
“Our vision is to empower the nation by widening access to quality higher education, and through STADIO Connect, we aim to eliminate the cost of data as a barrier to quality higher education,” says Roux.
“A common theme in feedback from the annual student survey is the high cost of data and challenges students face in accessing online learning resources. We believe that in the digital world we live in, education needs to use technology to support and advance our students’ learning experiences and set them up for success in the 21st century, so we set out to find a way to make that technology more accessible.”
How it works
STADIO students each receive a free SIM or eSIM upon registration (one free SIM card per person).
The SIM card is preloaded with non-expiry data, airtime and SMSes. Users need to RICA their SIM, which can be done through an ICASA-compliant WhatsApp process or via the helpdesk.
“We have partnered with megsApp, which has a back-to-back agreement in place with MTN, the biggest network in South Africa from an infrastructure perspective,” says Roux. “We have full access to the MTN network, as well as robust support channels, ensuring our community can stay connected, wherever they are.”
Users can port their existing number to the STADIO Connect network, or get a new number, and purchase additional SIM cards beyond their first free one.
This, according to STADIO, gives them access to the STADIO Connect app, where they can buy non-expiry data bundles, as well as data, voice, SMS and specials.
“We’re working on zero-rating our key STADIO websites and platforms, like Canvas, mySTADIO, and Q-Desk, so students using the network can access their learning materials, administration tools and support systems without using paid data,” says Roux.
“While joining the network is completely optional, we’ve had a good uptake as most students see value in the offering.”
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