Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal accelerates digital future with over R1.1 billion investment

DURBAN – Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal has announced a transformative investment of over R1.1 billion in network infrastructure for the current financial year (FY26), reinforcing its commitment to connecting communities and driving digital inclusion across South Africa's most populous province.

"Our investment in KwaZulu-Natal reflects our commitment to building a digitally inclusive province where everyone can access the opportunities of the digital economy," says Imran Khan, Managing Executive for Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal Region.

R1.1 billion network investment strengthens connectivity

Vodacom's R1.142 billion investment in KZN's network infrastructure during the financial year demonstrates the company's commitment to ubiquitous connectivity across the province. The investment breakdown includes R796 million for radio projects, R289 million goes to transmission, R36 million towards energy, and R20 million for core data networks.

This substantial investment builds on Vodacom KZN's strong network foundation, with the province now enjoying comprehensive coverage: 99.91% 2G population coverage, 99.9% 3G coverage, 99.12% 4G coverage, and 39.54% 5G population coverage. The ongoing rollout of advanced 4G and 5G technologies continues to enhance connectivity for both urban centres like Durban and underserved rural communities across the province.

Deep rural connectivity: R100 million investment reaches underserved communities

A significant component of Vodacom's infrastructure investment focuses on deep rural areas, with over R100 million dedicated to extending connectivity to previously underserved communities. This initiative has brought reliable mobile coverage to villages including KwaMaphumulo, Nongoma, Vryheid, Empangeni, Nottingham, and the Kamberg valley region in South County, as well as communities across uMkhanyakude, which is primed for agro-processing, eco-tourism, and renewable energy development.

These investments align with KZN'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 Midlands champion tourism and agriculture.

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

Vodacom Business: Building extraordinary growth and sustainable impact

Vodacom Business KZN is positioning itself as the most trusted enterprise telecommunications provider in the region, supporting business transformation through its comprehensive digital core strategy. The division offers integrated solutions spanning cloud services, cybersecurity, IoT, mobile and unified communications, hosting, managed services, and platforms for digital applications.

"We're transitioning from a traditional telco to a future-ready TechCo," adds Khan. "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 via our digital core and customer-360 approach." 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.

Making digital access affordable for all

Central to Vodacom KZN's strategy is making digital access affordable for all. The company's commitment to breaking down affordability barriers is demonstrated through innovative programmes designed to meet customers where they are.

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 KZN 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.

Community partnerships enhance network security

Vodacom KZN is addressing the critical challenge of theft and vandalism, which threatens network availability for communities. In a groundbreaking community collaboration initiative, 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 that impact network availability.

"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. With over R1.1 billion in network investment, including R100 million dedicated to deep rural areas, we are building a connected province where no one is left behind," concludes Khan.