Telecommunications group Vodacom is investing more than R500-million in network infrastructure in Limpopo during the current financial year.

This major investment builds on last year’s R414-million commitment, and brings the total amount invested in radio and transmission infrastructure in the province over the last seven years to R3.1-billion, says Vodacom Limpopo regional managing executive Lynn Benjamin.

Of the total 2025/26 financial year investment, more than R312-million is allocated to radio network rollout, with a further R346-million planned for next year.

Another R194.2-million is allocated to transmission infrastructure 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, besides others.

Vodacom Limpopo will also deploy new sites to connect unconnected communities such as Giyani, Malamulele and Musina, besides many others in the far northern rural areas of the province.

The new investment reaffirms Vodacom’s commitment to empowering communities and driving economic growth throughout the province, using broadband connectivity.

“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 socioeconomic benefits,” says Benjamin.

“By investing in advanced network infrastructure and affordable digital solutions, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”

In addition to expanding network coverage, Vodacom remains committed to supporting local enterprises.

The region allocated R40.3-million for small, medium-sized and microenterprise support during the 2024 to 2026 financial years, strengthening Limpopo’s digital backbone and fostering local economic development.

“Key to Vodacom Limpopo’s strategy is the democratisation of access to 4G+ devices and affordable connectivity solutions,” Benjamin says, adding that the company’s commitment to device migration is reflected in its drive to increase smartphone penetration.

Over the past year, the number of customers using 4G and 5G devices has 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 a 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.”

Further, data bundle prices have been reduced over the past year 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,” Benjamin concludes.