Vodacom is set to invest R1 billion in network infrastructure in KwaZulu-Natal in the 2026/27 financial year, targeting expanded coverage, greater network capacity and improved resilience as demand for data and digital services grows across the province.
The investment follows a R1.1bn capital expenditure in the previous financial year, with R419 million earmarked for radio network expansion and modernisation and more than R173m for transmission infrastructure, including fibre and microwave upgrades. A further R63.5m will fund backup power systems to help maintain connectivity during electricity disruptions.
Vodacom’s managing executive in KZN, Imran Khan, addressed members of the media at the KwaZulu-Natal Media Round Table and Technology Showcase at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban yesterday, where he outlined the network’s plans for the 2026/27 fiscal year.
Connecting rural areas has been billionaire Elon Musk's selling point for his satellite broadband provider, Starlink. Commenting on the possible entrance of Starlink to the market, Khan said Vodacom welcomes its recent agreement with Musk's group.
“We’ll have the capability. We don’t see it (Starlink’s entrance) as competition. We know a lot of rural areas have connection challenges. We see it as a massive opportunity,” he said.
The money
Approximately R419m will be spent on radio network expansion and modernisation; which ranges from new site builds, 5G upgrades and coverage expansion to capacity improvements.
The roll-out will target municipalities across KZN, including eThekwini, uMzimkhulu, Msunduzi, uMvoti, uMhlathuze, Nkandla, eMsinga, iMpendle, Richmond and eDumbe.
The goal, said Vodacom, is to strengthen digital inclusion and enable more communities to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.
An amount of R173m will go towards transmission infrastructure, including fibre and microwave network upgrades.
Network resilience
An energy resilience programme will receive R63.5m, aimed at maintaining connectivity during power disruptions caused by localised load reduction, cable theft, municipal infrastructure failures and maintenance activities.
Generators, batteries and backup power systems will help maintain network availability during power interruptions.
Digital inclusion and affordability
To get more people connected via smartphones and cheaper internet, Vodacom is introducing its Easy2Own device-financing initiative, which enables customers to access smartphones more affordably.
This programme is critical to helping more people upgrade from 2G and 3G devices to 4G- and 5G-enabled smartphones, unlocking access to digital services and opportunities, said Vodacom.