These are the best mobile networks on the Gautrain

MyBroadband recently tested mobile data performance on the Gautrain and found MTN to have the best 4G performance, while Vodacom had the superior 5G network.

The Gautrain is a high-speed commuter rail system connecting Hatfield in Pretoria to Park Station in Johannesburg.

The rail system features additional links to O.R. Tambo International Airport from its Malboro and Sandton stations.

Many commuters rely on the train to avoid heavy road traffic between the two metros.

Mobile coverage on the Gautrain has been inconsistent in the past, particularly in areas with underground sections.

To assess improvements, MyBroadband tested the performance of the big five mobile networks across the train’s entire route.

The testing was performed with a custom version of the MyBroadband Speedtest app, which performs a test on each network every minute.

This allows the collection of real-world speed data and the calculation of a coverage percentage for each network based on the number of successful tests.

In terms of overall coverage, MTN emerged as the leader, with 96% of speed tests successful, followed closely by Vodacom at 90% and Rain at 88%.

Telkom is slightly behind with only 76% coverage, while Cell C performed poorly, with only 35% of its tests completed successfully.

Vodacom and MTN also had significant 5G coverage of 48% and 44%, respectively, allowing users much higher data speeds.

MTN had the highest average 4G download speed of 99Mbps with a good upload speed of 32Mbps.

Vodacom followed with a download speed of 70Mbps, while Telkom and Cell C performed competitively at 55Mbps and 53Mbps, respectively.

Rain had the slowest average download speed of 26Mbps.

Vodacom turned things around in the 5G results, handily beating MTN with an average download speed of 213Mbps compared to 162Mbps.

Depending on the use case, users will find the best experience with MTN or Vodacom.

MTN’s slightly better coverage and faster 4G speeds will serve the average user well, allowing for a more consistent, fast connection over their entire trip.

Vodacom would be a better choice if a user needs very fast download speeds for a specific task with the higher 5G coverage and speed while still offering very good 4G coverage to fall back on.

4G Results

5G Results