Operations in South Africa

In the initial period of the network roll-out, Vodacom worked with Mobile Service Providers ("MSPs") in order to drive subscriber growth. As the initial network rollout phase was completed, Vodacom SA embarked on a series of transactions to obtain control of the MSPs and integrate them into the operations of VSPC, the entity responsible for the acquisition, retention and management of customers. VSPC managed 97.2% of the total customer base, including 83.5% of the contract customer base and 99.6% of the prepaid customer base as at 31 December 2008.

Vodacom Ventures was formed in 2006 for the purpose of investing in companies which produce innovative telecommunications' products and services that can provide commercial benefits for Vodacom. As at 31 December 2008, Vodacom Ventures had interests in five companies providing services such as internet access, electronic financial services and social networking.

Vodacom has acquired 24.9% of WBS Holdings (Proprietary) Limited ("WBSH") (the holding company of the entity, trading as "iBurst (Proprietary) Limited ("iBurst")), through a series of transactions. iBurst supplies customers with high speed connectivity through broadband internet and email services. On 30 March 2007 Vodacom entered into an infrastructure agreement with Wireless Business Solutions (Proprietary) Limited ("WBS"), whereby WBS appointed Vodacom to design and construct a WiMAX network for use by WBSH. WBS and VSPC were appointed as service providers for WiMAX services.

In February 2009, Vodacom SA acquired a controlling interest in Storage Technology Services (Proprietary) Limited ("StorTech"), a managed services company.

Operations outside of South Africa

In June 1995, Vodacom was awarded a GSM licence in Lesotho and commenced operations in May&bsp;1996. In December&bsp;1999 Vodacom was awarded a GSM licence in Tanzania and launched its service in August 2000. Vodacom Congo commenced operations in May 2002 after receiving a GSM licence in December&bsp;2001. Vodacom was awarded a GSM licence in Mozambique in August&bsp;2003 and commenced operations in the same month.

These operating companies have been awarded additional service licences and authorisations.