STADIO introduces mobile network to improve student connectivity

To activate the service, students will receive a complimentary SIM or eSIM upon registration. Users are required to complete the RICA process, which can be done either via a compliant WhatsApp system or with support from the helpdesk.

STADIO, a South African higher education provider, has announced the launch of its own mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), called STADIO Connect. The new service aims to offer students and staff improved access to mobile data and connectivity across all of the institution’s campuses.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the ongoing challenge of high data costs in South Africa, particularly for students who rely on online learning platforms. STADIO Connect will provide SIM cards or eSIMs that come preloaded with non-expiring data, airtime, and SMS services.

The rise in MVNOs across South Africa reflects a shift in the telecommunications landscape, with newer providers offering alternatives to traditional mobile networks. In this context, STADIO’s entry into the space aligns with its focus on expanding access to education through digital tools.

According to the institution, the mobile service will initially be available to contact-learning students and staff on campus. The second rollout phase, planned for the second semester of 2025, will extend access to distance-learning students, followed by an offering for the families and friends of the STADIO community.

Merwe Roux, STADIO’s Chief Information Officer, explained the motivation behind the project: “Our goal is to reduce data costs as a barrier to education. Many students have expressed concerns over the affordability of data in our annual surveys. STADIO Connect is our response to those concerns.”

To activate the service, students will receive a complimentary SIM or eSIM upon registration. Users are required to complete the RICA process, which can be done either via a compliant WhatsApp system or with support from the helpdesk.

STADIO partnered with megsApp to manage the MVNO infrastructure. megsApp operates under an agreement with MTN, allowing STADIO Connect users to access MTN’s nationwide network coverage and support.

For users currently on other mobile networks, number porting to STADIO Connect is possible. Additional SIM cards can also be purchased, beyond the first complimentary one.

STADIO Connect includes a dedicated mobile app where users can buy data bundles, airtime, voice minutes, and SMS packages. The platform also allows users to monitor usage and take advantage of promotional offers.

As MVNO solutions become more common, STADIO’s move may signal a trend that other educational institutions could follow, using mobile connectivity to enhance access to education.