Vodacom invests R620 million to improve connectivity and promote digital inclusion in deep rural areas and townships within Mpumalanga

MBOMBELA - Vodacom Mpumalanga is making bold strides toward digital inclusion by spending R620 million on its network this financial year. This investment is focused on expanding network infrastructure, driving access to connectivity, particularly in deep rural communities and township areas, and demonstrating Vodacom's commitment to building a digital society that leaves no one behind.

In 2024–2025 financial year, the region invested more than R400 million, and in 2025–2026, it is going to spend an additional R620 million, on extending broadband coverage throughout the province. This is an investment totalling over R1 billion over two years and it is 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. 

In a province where terrain and remoteness often hinder connectivity, Vodacom Mpumalanga is accelerating its rollout of 4G and 5G sites, leveraging licensed spectrum such as L700, L1800, and L2100, to increase coverage and capacity in underserved areas. There are over 1 300 mobile infrastructure sites now serving the province, with 41% connected to high-speed fibre, providing faster and more stable internet to households, schools, businesses, and government facilities.

The region's network investments also include mobile network boosters, modernised transmission technology, and backup power systems to mitigate challenges related to Eskom grid instability and vandalism and theft.

"Data traffic in Mpumalanga has increased by over 42% year-on-year, with 90% of this carried over 4G. As demand grows, Vodacom's network investment is not only improving connectivity for its customers in the region but laying the groundwork for a more inclusive digital economy. By increasing coverage and capacity, we can ensure that all our customers can be empowered by technology, whether that is access to education and essential services, or helping the growth of enterprises, from SMEs to the public sector, through transformative digital solutions," says Monde Ngcukana,  Managing Executive for Vodacom Mpumalanga Region.

To complement this infrastructure build-out, Vodacom is tackling the affordability of devices and data, which are barriers to meaningful digital participation. Vodacom's Easy2Own is driving smartphone penetration by offering customers an innovative device financing model to purchase a smartphone and, after a once-off deposit, pay it off in affordable instalments. This July, in honour of Mandela Day, Vodacom launched its R67 smartphone campaign at selected stores across the country, including in Mpumalanga. The initiative is part of its ongoing efforts to help millions of South Africans transition from basic connectivity to 4G-enabled handsets. Furthermore, the company's Just 4 You and location-based Just 4 Your Town offerings provide personalised data offers based on an individual's usage habits and geographic context, reducing the cost to connect.

In its commitment to accelerating South Africa's digital transformation, Vodacom's smart solutions are helping the Mpumalanga public sector operate more efficiently and deliver better services to citizens. The SmartGov Platform, for example, automates administrative workflows, providing real-time visibility and transparency. With the SmartCitizen Engagement app, residents can report service issues, while government teams can respond more effectively through multi-channel contact centres and mobile-enabled field teams tools. Vodacom's Smart Utilities solutions are improving accuracy in water and electricity metering and billing. Public infrastructure is being enhanced through SmartPlaces and SmartBuildings, which enable better energy use, pollution and water monitoring, and security. Additionally, Smart Asset Management tools assist local government with managing resources more effectively through predictive maintenance and clean audits.

As part of its effort to build a thriving local economy, Vodacom is also empowering Mpumalanga's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Through Vodacom Business, SMEs gain access to affordable data bundles and digital tools such as cloud hosting, cybersecurity, point-of-sale systems, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, allowing them to compete in a rapidly evolving digital economy. For SMEs requiring access to capital, VodaLend offers fast, flexible business loans of up to R5 million, disbursed in as little as 24 hours with no collateral or early settlement penalties.

Within its own operations, Vodacom Mpumalanga supports local businesses through partnerships with local contractors and security firms. Local companies in the region are key contributors to Vodacom Mpumalanga's network rollout, while collaborations with security firms has created job opportunities for several community members.

"By removing barriers to access and partnering with government and business, we are giving the people of Mpumalanga the tools to learn, work, innovate, grow and connect to a better future," concludes Ngcukana.