Vodacom Invests Over R500 Million to Expand Limpopo’s Network Infrastructure in FY26

Vodacom  Limpopo region has announced a major investment of more than R500 million in network infrastructure for the current financial year (FY26). Building on last year’s R414 million commitment, this substantial investment reaffirms Vodacom’s commitment to empowering communities and driving economic growth throughout the province, using broadband connectivity. This year’s capital expenditure brings the total investment in radio and transmission infrastructure to R3,1 billion over a period of seven years in Limpopo province alone.

“At Vodacom, our vision is to connect every individual and community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital economy and reaping the associated socio-economic benefits. By investing in advanced network infrastructure and affordable digital solutions, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”

– Lynn Benjamin, Managing Executive, Vodacom Limpopo region

Of the total investment for FY26, more than R312 million is allocated to radio network rollout, with a further R346 million planned for next year. Transmission infrastructure receives R194.2 million this year, supporting the expansion of coverage and enhancement of network capacity. Vodacom’s ongoing rollout of advanced and latest technologies, including 4G and 5G, will reach both urban centres and deep rural areas of the province, ushering in a new era of fast network connectivity for many remote areas in Limpopo.

As part of this deployment, the region will be rolling out over 250 5G sites in Polokwane, Makhado, Thohoyandou, Makhuduthamaga Rural, Greater Tubatse, Thulamela Rural, Ba-Phalaborwa Rural and Greater Tzaneen Rural, to mention a few. Providing network connectivity for people who reside in rural areas remains central to Vodacom’s commitment of extending network to people who reside in deep rural areas of our province. As a result, the region will deploy new sites to connect unconnected communities such as Giyani, Malamulele, Musina and many more located in the far northern rural areas of the province.

In addition to expanding network coverage, Vodacom remains committed to supporting local enterprise. The region allocated R40.3 million for small, medium, and micro enterprise (SMME) support during FY24 to FY26, strengthening Limpopo’s digital backbone and fostering local economic development which is a vital cog in job creation across the province.

Key to Vodacom Limpopo’s strategy is the democratisation of access to 4G+ devices and affordable connectivity solutions. The company’s commitment to device migration is reflected in its drive to increase smartphone penetration. Over the past year, customers using 4G and 5G devices have increased by nine percentage points.

To accelerate this transition, Vodacom introduced EasyToOwn, a product enabling customers to purchase a smartphone for as little as R6.50 per day using airtime. Since its launch in 2023, EasyToOwn has achieved 113% growth, highlighting strong demand for digital integration. As part of recent Mandela initiatives, Vodacom offered 4G smartphones to 2G customers for just R67 (retail value R700), further advancing digital inclusion.

Vodacom Limpopo’s commitment to affordability extends to data pricing. Over the past year, data bundle prices have been reduced by an average of 30%, largely through onboarding customers onto personalised platforms that showcase the best regional offers. Education initiatives have driven an 11% year-on-year increase in customers accessing these platforms, ensuring more residents benefit from affordable connectivity.

“Our ongoing commitment to digital inclusion is about more than technology, it is about empowering people, fostering growth, and building a province where no one is left behind. Together, we are connecting Limpopo for a better tomorrow.”

– Lynn Benjamin, Managing Executive, Vodacom Limpopo region