Vodacom South Africa has demonstrated uplink speeds of 254 Mbps using a 5G technology called SuperUpload, which the operator says is the first such test on the continent.
The technology allows a 5G handset to transmit data across two separate channels simultaneously, automatically switching to the faster path as network conditions change. The result is significantly higher upload speeds than current 5G networks typically deliver.
To put the figure in context, the fastest median mobile internet speed in Africa was 124.32 Mbps in Morocco as of January 2026, according to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index. Vodacom’s SuperUpload test roughly doubled that benchmark on the uplink alone.
Why upload speeds matter
Most 5G marketing has focused on download speeds, but modern applications increasingly depend on fast, stable uploads. Video conferencing, cloud gaming, AI-powered tools, and live streaming all require devices to send large volumes of data in real time. Poor uplink performance can degrade these experiences even when download speeds are adequate.
Beverly Ngwenya, Technology Director at Vodacom South Africa, said SuperUpload “enables our network to support the most demanding modern applications with the low latency, consistent performance these applications require.”
How it works
SuperUpload works by allowing a device to use two uplink channels simultaneously. The handset continuously evaluates which channel offers better performance and shifts traffic accordingly. Vodacom says this delivers up to 250 Mbps uplink speeds with improved stability and reduced latency compared to standard 5G connections.
The technology requires a compatible 5G device and is part of Vodacom’s broader network modernisation programme across the continent.
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