Telecommunications company Vodacom plans to pour R620 million into network expansion projects in Mpumalanga between 2025 and 2026.
Vodacom's R1 Billion Investment Boosts Digital Infrastructure in Mpumalanga
Vodacom, a leading telecommunications company, is investing a significant sum of R1 billion over two years to improve digital connectivity in Mpumalanga, with a particular focus on rural and township areas.
The investment, amounting to over R400 million in the 2024-2025 financial year and an additional R620 million in 2025-2026, will expand network infrastructure and enhance digital access.
To achieve this, Vodacom is accelerating the rollout of 4G and 5G sites using licensed spectrum bands L700, L1800, and L2100. These improvements aim to increase coverage and network capacity in underserved areas.
The current network infrastructure, which includes over 1,300 mobile sites in the province, will be expanded, with 41% already connected to high-speed fibre. This will deliver faster and more stable internet to homes, schools, businesses, and government facilities.
To address challenges like power instability from Eskom and equipment theft or vandalism, mobile network boosters, modernised transmission technology, and backup power systems will be implemented.
Vodacom is also tackling affordability barriers by introducing the Easy2Own device financing model. This innovative initiative allows customers to purchase smartphones with a once-off deposit followed by affordable instalments, thus increasing smartphone penetration and meaningful digital participation.
In addition, the company is supporting local economic growth by partnering with local contractors and security firms, creating jobs and encouraging sustainable community development during the network rollout.
The investment is designed not only to meet current connectivity demands, which have increased by over 42% year-on-year in the region with 90% of data carried on 4G, but also to lay the groundwork for a more inclusive digital economy. This will empower residents with better access to education, essential services, and enterprise growth opportunities.
In summary, Vodacom’s R1 billion investment in Mpumalanga focuses on expanding high-quality digital infrastructure and improving access affordability to foster digital inclusion in hard-to-reach rural and township communities, ultimately aiming to create a more connected and digitally empowered society.
- Vodacom's investment in infrastructure will enable faster and more stable internet in schools, thus improving education for rural and township residents.
- The expansion of network infrastructure, including the implementation of modernised transmission technology and backup power systems, will help address challenges like power instability from Eskom and equipment theft or vandalism.
- The investment in digital infrastructure will lay the groundwork for a more inclusive digital economy, providing residents with better access to essential services, enterprise growth opportunities, and cybersecurity resources.
- Vodacom's rollout of 4G and 5G sites will primarily target underserved areas, aiming to increase coverage and network capacity in these regions.
- To increase smartphone penetration and facilitate meaningful digital participation, Vodacom is introducing the Easy2Own device financing model, allowing customers to purchase smartphones affordably.
