MBOMBELA – Vodacom Mpumalanga has reinforced its commitment to connecting communities and advancing digital inclusion through a significant investment of over R600 million in network infrastructure and technology this financial year to expand broadband connectivity and support growing demand for digital services across Mpumalanga.
The investment is focused on expanding network coverage, enhancing connectivity, improving network resilience and capacity, and extending access to digital services in underserved rural, township and urban areas of the province. By continuing to invest in critical telecommunications infrastructure, Vodacom Mpumalanga is helping to bridge the digital divide, stimulate economic growth and ensure that more people can participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
This investment builds on the 2025/26 financial year, of R620 million in network infrastructure the company used to prioritise townships and deep rural areas, ensuring that no one gets left behind in the digital era. The investment programme forms part of Vodacom's ongoing commitment to providing the widest and most reliable network coverage while enabling greater participation in the digital economy.
“Reliable connectivity is a key enabler of economic growth, education, innovation and social development. Through our continued investment in Mpumalanga's network infrastructure, we are ensuring that more communities can access the opportunities offered by the digital economy while benefiting from a world-class connectivity experience,” said Monde Ngcukana, Managing Executive for Vodacom Mpumalanga region.
As part of its network modernisation programme, Vodacom expanded its mobile infrastructure footprint from just over 1,300 sites to 1,408 sites across Mpumalanga. The company is also accelerating the rollout of 4G and 5G services, particularly in underserved and remote communities, helping to bridge the digital divide and improve access to high-speed connectivity.
The rollout will target all 17 local municipalities across Mpumalanga, spanning the Ehlanzeni, Gert Sibande and Nkangala district municipalities. Through expanded network coverage and increased capacity, this investment will strengthen digital inclusion, improve connectivity and service quality, and unlock greater opportunities for residents, businesses and public sector institutions to participate in the digital economy.
Vodacom continues to leverage licensed spectrum bands, including L700, L1800 and L2100, to strengthen network coverage and increase capacity. In addition, the proportion of fibre-connected sites has increased from 41% in 2025/26 to 45% in 2026/27, improving network performance, reliability and customer experience.
These investments are helping to deliver high-speed internet access to households, schools, businesses and government institutions throughout the province.
To ensure reliable connectivity, Vodacom has invested in network enhancement solutions, transmission upgrades and backup power infrastructure. These measures are helping to mitigate the effects of localised power disruptions, vandalism and theft, which continue to pose challenges to telecommunications infrastructure across South Africa.
Network usage trends also reflect increasing demand for next-generation connectivity. During the 2025/26 financial year, approximately 90% of data traffic was carried on the 4G network. In 2026/27, traffic distribution shifted to 78% on 4G and 20% on 5G, highlighting the growing adoption of advanced mobile technologies among customers.
Vodacom has also launched a Summer Plan Project aimed at strengthening network resilience during the rainy season. The initiative is focused on preparing more than 500 network sites to withstand severe weather conditions and ensuring continued connectivity during periods of heavy rainfall and electricity outages. The project forms part of Vodacom's broader strategy to provide reliable communication services to customers throughout the year, regardless of environmental challenges.
Central to Vodacom Mpumalanga’s strategy is ensuring that digital access remains affordable and accessible to all. The company’s commitment to reducing affordability barriers is reflected in a range of innovative programmes designed to meet customers where they are and connect more people to the opportunities of the digital economy.
Through its Just4You and Just4YourTown platforms, Vodacom provides personalised voice and data offers tailored to customers’ individual usage patterns and locations, helping them stay connected at a lower cost. These solutions have gained strong traction across the province, enabling more residents to access affordable and relevant connectivity options while supporting increased digital adoption.
“Our focus remains on expanding coverage, enhancing network quality and building resilient, future-fit infrastructure that will support Mpumalanga’s long-term digital transformation. At the same time, we are committed to providing government, businesses, SMMEs and consumers with innovative connectivity and digital solutions that enable them to participate meaningfully in the digital economy, unlock new opportunities for growth and drive socio-economic development across the province,” concludes Ngcukana.
