Telecommunications group Vodacom is investing R620-million in its Mpumalanga network during the 2025/26 financial year, building on the more than R400-million spent in the previous year.

Vodacom Mpumalanga is focusing on expanding its network infrastructure and driving access to connectivity, particularly in deep rural communities and township areas, and extending broadband coverage throughout the province, where terrain and remoteness often hinder reliable connectivity.

The investment will support an accelerated rollout of 4G and 5G sites, leveraging licensed spectrum such as L700, L1800 and L2100, to increase coverage and capacity in the underserved areas.

“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,” says Vodacom Mpumalanga regional managing executive Monde Ngcukana.

Currently, more than 1 300 mobile infrastructure sites service the province, with 41% connected to high-speed fibre, delivering faster and more stable Internet to households, schools, businesses and government facilities.

Network investments in the region also include mobile network boosters, modernised transmission technology and backup power systems to mitigate challenges related to State-owned power utility 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 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the public sector, through transformative digital solutions,” says Ngcukana.

Vodacom is also addressing the affordability of devices and data, which are key barriers to meaningful digital participation.

Through Easy2Own, Vodacom is driving smartphone penetration by offering customers an innovative device financing model to purchase a smartphone.

The company also launched its R67 smartphone campaign at selected stores across the country, including in Mpumalanga, as part of its ongoing efforts to assist in the transition from basic connectivity to 4G-enabled handsets.

Additionally, Vodacom’s Just 4 You and location-based Just 4 Your Town offerings also provide personalised data offers based on an individual’s use 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,” says Ngcukana, highlighting the SmartGov Platform, for example, which 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.

Further, Vodacom’s Smart Utilities solutions are improving accuracy in water and electricity metering and billing, while public infrastructure is being enhanced through SmartPlaces and SmartBuildings, which enable better energy use, pollution and water monitoring, and security.