Vodacom Mpumalanga has announced plans to allocate R600 million in the current financial year for upgrading network infrastructure and advancing technology aimed at enhancing broadband connectivity to meet the rising demand for digital services.
“The investment is focused on expanding network coverage, enhancing connectivity, and improving network resilience and capacity,” Vodacom Mpumalanga stated.
This funding initiative aims to improve access to digital services, particularly in rural, township, and urban areas that are often underserved.
“This builds on the 2025/26 financial year investment of R620 million in network infrastructure the company used to prioritise townships and deep rural areas.”
Monde Ngcukana, Managing Executive for Vodacom Mpumalanga, emphasized that dependable connectivity is essential for fostering economic growth, education, innovation, and social development.
“Through our continued investment in Mpumalanga‘s network infrastructure, we are ensuring that more communities can access the opportunities offered by the digital economy,” Ngcukana explained.
As a part of its modernization efforts, Vodacom has increased its mobile infrastructure presence from approximately 1,300 sites to 1,408 across Mpumalanga.
The company is also speeding up the deployment of 4G and 5G technologies, focusing particularly on remote and underserved communities.
The upcoming phase of this rollout will encompass all 17 local municipalities in Mpumalanga, including those in the Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande, and Nkangala districts.
Vodacom reported that it is utilizing licensed spectrum bands such as L700, L1800, and L2100 to enhance network coverage and boost capacity.
Moreover, the percentage of fibre-connected sites rose from 41% in 2025/26 to 45% in 2026/27, which has improved overall network performance, reliability, and user experience.
“These investments are helping to deliver high-speed internet access to households, schools, businesses and government institutions throughout the province,” Vodacom stated.
“To ensure reliable connectivity, Vodacom has invested in network enhancement solutions, transmission upgrades and backup power infrastructure.”
Such initiatives are designed to reduce the impact of localized power disruptions, vandalism, and theft — challenges that Vodacom noted continue to affect telecommunications infrastructure in South Africa.
“Network usage trends also reflect increasing demand for next-generation connectivity. During the 2025/26 financial year, approximately 90% of data traffic was carried on the 4G network,” the company reported.
“In 2026/27, traffic distribution shifted to 78% on 4G and 20% on 5G, highlighting the growing adoption of advanced mobile technologies among customers.”
Additionally, Vodacom has initiated its Summer Plan Project to bolster network resilience during the rainy season.
The initiative aims to prepare over 500 network sites to endure severe weather conditions, ensuring consistent connectivity during heavy rainfall and power losses.
“Our focus remains on expanding coverage, enhancing network quality and building resilient, future-fit infrastructure that will support Mpumalanga’s long-term digital transformation,” Ngcukana stated.
“At the same time, we are committed to providing government, businesses, SMMEs, and consumers with innovative connectivity and digital solutions.”
Ngcukana concluded by mentioning that these efforts would enable broader engagement in the digital economy and foster opportunities for growth, thereby driving socio-economic development throughout Mpumalanga.
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