CAPE TOWN – Vodacom Western Cape is making bold strides towards digital inclusion through an investment of more than R500 million in network infrastructure during the current financial year. The investment will focus on network expansion, modernisation and upgrades, energy resilience projects, and the rollout of new sites, including deep rural communities and township areas across the province. This demonstrates Vodacom's firm commitment to building a digital society that leaves no one behind.
The largest portion of the capital expenditure budget, approximately R380 million, will be allocated to Radio Access Network (RAN) modernisation. More than 50 sites across the province will be upgraded or replaced with next-generation cellular infrastructure, including enhanced hardware, software and network architecture. These upgrades will support advanced 5G capabilities, improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs, while significantly increasing network capacity and ensuring customers enjoy reliable connectivity, superior call quality and faster data speeds.
In addition, more than 50 sites will receive 4G capacity upgrades using the 700MHz spectrum. This low-band spectrum travels over longer distances and penetrates buildings more effectively, enabling broader coverage and enhanced network capacity across both urban and underserved communities. The region will also accelerate the rollout of new 5G sites in key towns across the province, delivering significantly faster data speeds, ultra-low latency and greater network capacity for mobile and home internet users.
The deployment will focus on communities across the Western Cape, including Khayelitsha, Delft, Gugulethu, Langa, Mitchells Plain, and Philippi, among others, helping to expand connectivity and improve network access in areas where demand for reliable digital services continues to grow.
The remaining investment will be directed towards energy resilience projects aimed at maintaining connectivity during temporary power disruptions caused by localised load reduction, cable theft, municipal infrastructure failures and maintenance activities. These investments include the deployment of additional static generators and battery modernisation programmes, building on the extensive backup power upgrades and optimisation initiatives undertaken during the previous financial year.
Waldi Wepener, Managing Executive of Vodacom Western Cape, said: “As we continue to connect people for a better future, we remain steadfast in our commitment to enhancing the quality, reliability and reach of our network. Our ongoing investment in infrastructure upgrades is enabling more customers to unlock the transformative power of technology and participate meaningfully in the digital economy.”
“Through improved connectivity, communities gain greater access to digital platforms for education, healthcare and financial services, helping to drive socio-economic inclusion, empower individuals and create sustainable opportunities for growth across the region. Critically, our investment in accelerating 5G across the province will further improve network performance and enable innovative solutions that support an inclusive digital future.”
Central to Vodacom Western Cape's strategy is ensuring that digital access remains affordable for all. The company's commitment to breaking down affordability barriers is reflected in a range of innovative programmes designed to meet customers where they are.
Through Just4You and Just4YourTown, customers receive personalised voice and data offers tailored to their individual usage patterns and locations, helping them stay connected at a lower cost. These platforms have seen strong adoption across the province, with increasing numbers of residents accessing affordable and customised connectivity solutions. As a result, data usage in the Western Cape has grown by more than 40% over the past year.
Vodacom's Easy2Own device financing initiative is helping more customers access smartphones affordably, contributing to increased smartphone penetration across the province. The programme plays a critical role in enabling customers to migrate from legacy 2G and 3G devices to 4G and 5G-enabled smartphones, unlocking access to digital services, education, employment opportunities and financial inclusion. Since its launch in 2023, Easy2Own is highlighting strong demand for affordable digital access.
To support the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Vodacom launched V-Hub, a free online platform offering practical business advice and digital tools. Developed in collaboration with industry experts, V-Hub provides SMEs with trusted and actionable guidance on topics ranging from attracting and retaining customers to cybersecurity, financial management and digital transformation.
“By removing barriers to connectivity and collaborating closely with government, businesses and other stakeholders, we are empowering the people of the Western Cape with the digital tools and opportunities they need to learn, work, innovate and thrive. Through these partnerships, we are helping to build more connected communities, unlock economic potential and create pathways towards a more inclusive and prosperous future for all,” concluded Wepener.
