Vodacom, in the province of Mpumalanga, is Planning to Spend R620 Million on Network Enhancement in the Period of 2025-2026
Vodacom Business is making significant strides in empowering Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Mpumalanga by offering affordable data bundles and digital tools, enabling them to compete in the digital economy. This push comes as part of Vodacom Mpumalanga's long-term vision to significantly expand network infrastructure and enhance digital inclusion, particularly in deep rural and township areas.
Over the next two years, Vodacom Mpumalanga plans to invest over R1 billion, including a R620 million investment for the 2025–26 financial year. This investment is aimed at upgrading and extending broadband coverage through the accelerated rollout of 4G and 5G sites. The company will leverage licensed spectrum bands (L700, L1800, and L2100) to improve network capacity and performance in underserved regions.
Currently, Vodacom operates more than 1,300 mobile sites in Mpumalanga, with 41% connected to high-speed fibre. This infrastructure enables faster and more reliable internet access to homes, schools, businesses, and government infrastructure. The company also focuses on network resilience by deploying mobile boosters, upgrading transmission infrastructure, and adding backup power to mitigate issues like grid instability and infrastructure theft.
Beyond infrastructure, Vodacom addresses affordability and access barriers with initiatives such as the Easy2Own smartphone financing program and targeted mobile data offers. These efforts aim to improve connectivity, support economic growth, and foster social development by empowering customers with access to education, essential services, and digital tools for enterprises and public sector entities.
In addition to network improvements, Vodacom Mpumalanga is investing in smart solutions for the province. The SmartCitizen Engagement app, for instance, allows residents to report service issues, and government teams to respond more effectively through multi-channel contact centres and mobile-enabled field teams. The region is also enhancing public infrastructure through SmartPlaces and SmartBuildings, which enable better energy use, pollution and water monitoring, and security.
Moreover, Vodacom's Smart Utilities solutions improve accuracy in water and electricity metering and billing. The company's SmartGov Platform automates administrative workflows for the Mpumalanga public sector, providing real-time visibility and transparency.
Local companies in the region are key contributors to Vodacom Mpumalanga's network rollout, while collaborations with security firms have created job opportunities for several community members. Vodacom also supports local businesses through partnerships with local contractors and security firms.
In July, Vodacom launched an R67 smartphone campaign as part of its efforts to help transition South Africans to 4G-enabled handsets. The company also offers fast, flexible business loans of up to R5 million for SMEs through VodaLend, with no collateral or early settlement penalties.
Monde Ngcukana, Managing Executive of Vodacom Mpumalanga Region, states that by removing barriers to access and partnering with government and business, they are giving the people of Mpumalanga the tools to learn, work, innovate, grow, and connect to a better future.
Data traffic in Mpumalanga has increased by over 42% year-on-year, with 90% of this carried over 4G. Vodacom's network investments are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive digital economy, with personalised data offers based on individual usage habits and geographic context available through Just 4 You and Just 4 Your Town.
The investments are part of Vodacom's long-term vision to have the widest and most reliable network accessible to all South Africans, irrespective of where they live. With over R400 million invested in the 2024-2025 financial year and an additional R620 million planned for the 2025-2026 financial year, it seems that Vodacom Mpumalanga is well on its way to achieving this vision.
[1] Vodacom Group. (2021, August 10). Vodacom Mpumalanga invests R1 billion to expand network infrastructure and enhance digital inclusion. Retrieved from https://www.vodacom.co.za/about-us/news/vodacom-mpumalanga-invests-r1-billion-to-expand-network-infrastructure-and-enhance-digital-inclusion
[2] ITWeb. (2021, August 10). Vodacom to invest R1bn in Mpumalanga network expansion. Retrieved from https://www.itweb.co.za/content/2p7P4aUyv3Q5F893
[3] MyBroadband. (2021, August 10). Vodacom to invest R1 billion in Mpumalanga network expansion. Retrieved from https://mybroadband.co.za/news/mobile/440530-vodacom-to-invest-r1-billion-in-mpumalanga-network-expansion.html
[4] TechCentral. (2021, August 10). Vodacom to invest R1bn in Mpumalanga network expansion. Retrieved from https://www.techcentral.co.za/vodacom-to-invest-r1bn-in-mpumalanga-network-expansion/282164/
- Vodacom Mpumalanga's R1 billion investment over the next two years includes an allocation of R620 million for the 2025–26 financial year, focusing on upgrading and extending broadband coverage through the accelerated rollout of 4G and 5G sites.
- The company's current infrastructure in Mpumalanga includes more than 1,300 mobile sites, with 41% connected to high-speed fibre, enabling faster and more reliable internet access to various sectors, such as homes, schools, businesses, and government institutions.
- Beyond infrastructure, Vodacom Mpumalanga offers initiatives like the Easy2Own smartphone financing program and targeted mobile data offers, aiming to improve connectivity and support economic growth.
- The SmartCitizen Engagement app, one of the smart solutions for the province, allows residents to report service issues, helping government teams respond more effectively.
- Vodacom's Smart Utilities solutions improve accuracy in water and electricity metering and billing, while the SmartGov Platform automates administrative workflows for the Mpumalanga public sector.
- Local businesses in the region benefit from partnerships with Vodacom Mpumalanga, as they contribute to network rollout and collaborate with security firms, creating job opportunities for community members.
