Eastern Cape Internet & Mobile Growth 2024(25): Why Your Business Can’t Afford to Skip a Website
- mpho
- Jun 4
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The Eastern Cape is experiencing rapid growth in internet and mobile connectivity, reshaping how businesses engage with customers. With increasing digital adoption, companies without a professional website risk losing visibility, credibility, and revenue. This article explores the latest data on internet usage, mobile penetration, and online consumer behavior in the Eastern Cape—and why a website is no longer optional for local businesses.
Eastern Cape Internet & Mobile Connectivity Growth (2024 Data)
Key Statistics:
- Internet Penetration: 58% of the Eastern Cape population has internet access, up from 52% in 2022 (*World Bank, 2023*).
- Mobile Usage: 72% of internet users access the web via smartphones (*ICASA, 2024*).
- 4G/LTE Coverage: Major hubs like Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and East London have near-complete 4G coverage, while rural areas like Mthatha and Butterworth are seeing accelerated 3G/4G rollouts (MTN Coverage Map, 2024).
Connectivity by Key Towns
| Town/City | Internet Access (%) | Primary Connection Type | Mobile Penetration (%) |
| Gqeberha (PE) | 68% | 4G/LTE | 75% |
| East London | 65% | 4G/LTE | 73% |
| Mthatha | 52% | 3G/4G Mix | 64% |
| Bhisho | 55% | 3G/4G Mix | 62% |
| Butterworth | 48% | 3G Dominant | 58% |
*Sources: ICASA (2024), Stats SA (2023), MTN/Vodacom Coverage Reports*
Why Eastern Cape Businesses Need a Website in 2025
A. Customers Are Searching Online
- 83% of South African consumers research products/services online before purchasing (Google Consumer Insights, 2023).
- Top search queries in the Eastern Cape include:
- Plumbers near me East London
- Best restaurants Gqeberha
- Tourism businesses Mthatha
- Without a website, your business is invisible in these searches.
B. Mobile Commerce is Booming
- 41% of Eastern Cape internet users have made a purchase via mobile in the past year (*PayFast E-Commerce Report, 2024*).
- Businesses with mobile-optimized websites see 2x higher engagement than those without (Google Mobile Experience Report, 2023).
C. Local SEO Drives Foot Traffic
- 76% of smartphone searches for local businesses result in an in-store visit within 24 hours (*Google My Business Data, 2024*).
- A **Google Business Profile (linked to a website)** increases visibility in map searches.
D. Rural Businesses Are Going Digital
- Towns like Butterworth and Queenstown have seen a 19% increase in online business registrations (Eastern Cape Development Corporation, 2024).
- Lightweight, low-data websites perform best in areas with slower connectivity.
Case Study: How an Eastern Cape Business Grew with a Website
- Example: Mthatha Bakery Increases Sales by 40%
- Challenge: Limited walk-in customers, no online presence.
- Solution: Launched a mobile-friendly website with online orders and local SEO.
- Results:
- 40% revenue increase in 6 months.
- 65% of new customers found them via Google Search.
How Encompus Helps Eastern Cape Businesses Get Online
We specialize in:
- Fast, mobile-optimized websites (works even on 3G).
- Local SEO (rank for “your service + your town”).
- Google Business Profile setup (get found on Maps).
- E-commerce integration (sell online easily).
Conclusion
The Eastern Cape’s internet growth means businesses without websites are missing customers every day. Whether in Gqeberha, East London, or rural towns, a professional online presence is critical for growth.
