Vodacom invests over R400 million to accelerate network expansion and digital inclusion in Free State and Northern Cape
Vodacom Central Region, covering both Free State and Northern Cape provinces, is investing over R400 million this financial year in the region’s network.
This will be directed towards expanding network infrastructure, enhancing capacity and resilience, and empowering communities, with a particular focus on connecting underserved areas across the Free State and Northern Cape.
The region spent R500m during the 2024/25 financial year and R340 million in 2022/23 on expanding broadband coverage across the region. This is an investment totalling over R1,2 billion over three years and it is part of Vodacom’s long-term vision, to have the widest and reliable network accessible to all South Africans, irrespective of where they live.
Of the total investment, R150 million will be spent on new sites and radio infrastructure, while R210 million will fund fibre and microwave upgrades. The region is accelerating its rollout of 4G and 5G sites, leveraging licensed spectrum such as 700MHz to 3500MHz, to increase coverage and capacity.
In addition, R40 million will be dedicated to power backup systems to ensure network availability during load shedding and vandalism incidents.
To complement this network investment, Vodacom is addressing affordability barriers that prevent many people from fully participating in the digital economy. Just4You and Just4YourTown deliver personalised data and voice offerings based on customer behaviour and location, ensuring that people can connect at lower costs tailored to their specific needs. Through the Easy2Own initiative, customers can access smartphones via an affordable device financing model, enabling them to transition from basic connectivity to 4G and 5G-enabled handsets. This is helping to increase smartphone penetration in the region, which stands at 68.3%.
In line with Vodacom’s commitment to digital skills development and youth empowerment, the region has hosted 80 Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) interns in previous years and is currently placing 35 interns across business units and towns in the Northern Cape and Free State this financial year. Eight interns have already been absorbed into permanent roles, either through Vodacom stores or partners. Eight bursars are also benefiting from the Vodacom Bursary in the Free State, strengthening the pipeline of skilled graduates entering the economy.
Vodacom Central Region is also supporting local municipalities with technology-driven solutions to improve service delivery and financial sustainability. In partnership with Sol Plaatje Municipality in the Northern Cape, Vodacom successfully implemented a smart electricity metering project, addressing challenges such as revenue losses from non-payment, inaccurate billing, and illegal connections. By March 2025, 15 453 smart meters had been installed across the municipality, which includes Kimberley. The initiative not only improves billing accuracy but has also created local economic opportunities, employing 52 electricians and 33 data capturers.
Evah Mthimunye, Managing Executive for Vodacom Central Region
Our network investment will support a growing demand for superior connectivity services in the region, with data traffic up 42% and our data customer base growing by 3,63% year on year. We are continuing to expand 4G and 5G coverage, particularly in remote communities, to enable all our customers to benefit from these services, driving our goal of building an inclusive digital society. In doing so, we have seen an increase in 5G adoption, with a 66.2% year-on-year growth. Through sustained investment in our network and digital solutions, Vodacom Central Region is working to ensure that no community is left behind in the digital era. Whether it is connecting individuals and businesses, empowering young people through digital skills training, or supporting municipalities with smart technology, we are contributing to inclusive, sustainable economic growth in the region and making a meaningful difference in the lives of South Africans
