Telecommunications company Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal announced its commitment to invest over $64.3 million in strengthening network infrastructure in the province during the 2026 fiscal year.
Of the total amount, $46 million will be allocated to radio projects, $16 million to transmission, $2 million to power, and $1.1 million to the core data network.
The investment is part of the company’s commitment to ensure comprehensive connectivity, aiming to make the province digitally inclusive so that all communities, urban or rural, have access to opportunities in the digital economy.
Vodacom emphasized that the upgrade program builds on its already established network coverage: the province currently enjoys approximately 99.9% 3G coverage, 99.12% 4G coverage, and 39.54% of the population covered by 5G.
A significant portion of the investment — over $5.8 million — will be dedicated to expanding connectivity in remote rural areas, targeting communities that have so far been underserved. The plan includes bringing reliable mobile coverage to municipalities such as KwaMaphumulo, Nongoma, Vryheid, Empangeni, Nottingham, Kamberg Valley, and regions of uMkhanyakude, among others.
Through this investment, the company aims to strengthen the network, improve the quality of data and voice services, and expand access to mobile Internet and broadband in areas previously with weak coverage — a strategy aligned with the goal of digital inclusion nationwide.
Source: Energy Capital & Power
