To improve customer service and speed up broadband access, Vodacom is spending more than R800 million on new network sites, mobile network modernisation, full-fibre broadband rollout, and energy projects this fiscal year. Notably, the region will establish new sites in deep rural areas that have never had connectivity to close the digital divide in isolated parts of the province.
“We are making a significant investment in the network in KwaZulu-Natal to achieve our goal of building an inclusive digital society,” said Imran Khan, Managing Executive of Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal area.
“By adding additional sites and improving our network, we hope to provide our clients with an outstanding network experience by expanding the availability of dependable and high-quality connectivity.
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“Crucially, we have allocated funds to establish 130 additional sites in the local municipalities of Edumbe, Abaqulusi, Umhlabuyalingana, and deep rural Ugu. Deep rural communities must engage in the digital revolution and reap the socioeconomic rewards that come with it; it is no longer acceptable for them to watch it from the sidelines.” The executive manager adds.
From 3G to 5G: The Evolution of Vodacom
Most of the money will be used to update the network’s core infrastructure, enhance the radio access network, and deploy faster, more advanced mobile networks like LTE and 5G.
This investment will benefit Vodacom customers throughout the province by increasing connectivity and increasing network speeds.
Additionally, by the end of the current fiscal year, Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal will have increased its 3G population coverage to 98.89%, 4G to 98.86%, and 5G to 50%.
Due to increased investments in network services, Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal has a 99.8% call establishment success rate and a 0.3% call drop rate.
“These outcomes show how committed we are to giving our clients the best possible network experience. With our dependable, extensive coverage, we ensure our clients and companies can take advantage of connectivity wherever they go,” continues Khan.
Empowering KwaZulu-Natal: Vodacom’s Digital Initiatives
The network launched multiple solutions to digitalise the public sector in collaboration with the provincial government. The Digital Citizens Services, for instance, this platform has assisted the provincial government in managing and enhancing the provision of services in the areas of safety, health, and education.
Furthermore, SMEs play a vital role in KwaZulu-Natal’s employment and economic growth. In this sense, the Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal region offers connectivity, customised platforms, solutions, products and services, training, and financial support to entrepreneurs, start-ups, small businesses, and our SME suppliers. Vodacom assists SMEs in becoming more digitally prepared by providing them with advice, best practice information, and assistance on available solutions.
The cost of communication is still a significant problem for financially struggling clients. To reduce this cost, Vodacom KwaZulu Natal introduced larger prepaid data bundles with Prepaid LTE and bespoke, discounted voice and data plans, such as Just4You and Just4You Town bundles for people in specific KwaZulu-Natal municipalities.
Vodacom launched Easy2Own to lower the cost of smartphones and promote digital inclusion, particularly for low-income earners. With Easy2Own, users can pay for a smart device with their airtime over 12 months starting at R8.50 and receive free daily voice and data allocation.
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Vodacom educational initiatives
The region continues to support educational initiatives that help young people reach their full potential and enhance KwaZulu-Natal’s socioeconomic growth as part of its purpose-driven mission to create inclusion for all.
One hundred young people in the region received 18-month internships; Vodacom has hired 76 of them permanently. Numerous students from the region received uniforms, books, stationery packs, and iPads from KwaDinda Primary School in Greytown and Nqayizivele Primary School in Umlazi.
Furthermore, Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal contributed R650 000 to the relief operations in Newcastle and Tongaat, where a tornado devastated and damaged both towns.
“Through our strategic partnerships with local government agencies and organisations, we aim to enhance the areas we serve greatly. We are linking everyone to a better future through our significant network investment and continuous CSI initiatives,” says Khan.