Telecommunications company Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal is investing R1.142-billion into the region’s network infrastructure during the 2026 financial year.

This includes R796-million for radio projects, R289-million for transmission, R36-million for energy and R20-million for core data networks.

“This substantial investment builds on Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal’s strong network foundation,” says Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Region managing executive Imran Khan.

The province has comprehensive population coverage, including 99.91% 2G coverage, 99.9% 3G coverage, 99.12% 4G coverage and 39.54% 5G coverage.

The ongoing rollout of advanced 4G and 5G technologies continues to enhance connectivity for both urban centres, such as Durban, and underserved rural communities across the province.

The investment aligns with KwaZulu-Natal’s strategy to strengthen secondary cities and rural economic hubs.

“Newcastle is emerging as a centre of manufacturing excellence, Richards Bay continues its role as a logistics powerhouse and industrial gateway, while the South Coast and the Midlands champion tourism and agriculture,” he says.

Vodacom is also devoting a significant component of its infrastructure investment to deep rural areas.

More than R100-million has been dedicated to extending connectivity to previously underserved communities, bringing reliable mobile coverage to villages such as KwaMaphumulo, Nongoma, Vryheid, Empangeni, Nottingham and the Kamberg valley region, as well as communities across uMkhanyakude, which is primed for agroprocessing, ecotourism and renewable energy development.

“Expanding connectivity to deep rural areas is not just about infrastructure; it is about creating economic opportunities and ensuring that rural communities can participate fully in the digital economy,” adds Khan.

Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal is also addressing the critical challenge of theft and vandalism, which threatens network availability for communities.

In line with this, residents in the Nottingham and Kamberg valley areas of the South County have partnered with Vodacom to install electric fencing around base stations, significantly reducing vandalism incidents.

“We recognise that network investment alone is not enough. Our focus on deep rural connectivity, business solutions, affordability, device access and community partnerships ensures that the benefits of our infrastructure reach every resident and business in KwaZulu-Natal,” Khan comments.

Central to Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal’s strategy is making digital access affordable for all.

Through Just4You and Just4YourTown, customers receive personalised data and voice offerings tailored to their behaviour and location, ensuring connectivity at lower costs. These platforms have seen strong adoption, with increasing numbers of KwaZulu-Natal residents accessing affordable, customised packages.

The Easy2Own device financing initiative enables customers to access smartphones affordably, helping to increase smartphone penetration across the province.

This programme is critical to helping more people upgrade from 2G and 3G devices to 4G and 5G-enabled smartphones, unlocking access to digital services and opportunities.

Meanwhile, as Vodacom transitions from a traditional telco to a future-ready TechCo, Vodacom Business KwaZulu-Natal offers integrated solutions spanning cloud services, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, mobile and unified communications, hosting, managed services and platforms for digital applications.

Vodacom Business supports businesses across all segments, from large enterprises to SMEs and government departments, with solutions that enable digital transformation, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage.

“Businesses today face emerging technologies like 5G, AI and quantum computing, alongside competition from hyperscalers and digital natives. Our role is to help enterprises adapt to the pace of digitalisation through systems of advantage through our digital core and customer-360 approach,” he says.