06 October 2023

Vodacom Group plans to invest R1 billion in its operations in KwaZulu-Natal for the current 2023/2024 financial year, to improve the capacity and resilience of its network while expanding its coverage throughout the province, particularly in deep rural areas.

The MNO plans to spend R700 million on radio access network, network capacity and upgrade projects, while R173 million will be allocated to improving core network infrastructure with the upgrade of 429 base station sites and the expansion of LTE capacity to 774 sites. It also plans to invest R235 million in energy projects, including the purchase of 68 generators.

These investments are part of Vodacom’s ambition to extend its telecoms network to the entire of South Africa, particularly rural areas that contain thousands of potential telecoms subscribers which will allow the operator to strengthen its leading position in the national telecoms market in the face of competition. The company must also maintain its network in operation and guarantee the continued provision of quality services to subscribers in a context of energy crisis.

“As we pursue our goal of creating an inclusive digital society, we are investing significantly in the region’s network. By expanding access to reliable, quality connectivity through the deployment of new sites and network upgrades, we aim to provide our customers with an exceptional network experience. Through this effort, we hope to bring the benefits of digitalization to all the communities we serve,” said Imran Khan, managing director of Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal.