Vodacom invests $30m in Western Cape network expansion

Details: Manny Pham; Category: Operators; 07 October 2026; 348 views

Vodacom is investing more than ZAR500 million (US$30m) in network infrastructure in South Africa's Western Cape during the current financial year, with spending focused on network modernisation, 5G expansion and energy resilience.

Around ZAR380 million of the investment will go towards modernising the operator's radio access network (RAN), with more than 50 sites to be upgraded or replaced with next-generation infrastructure.

The upgrades will include new hardware, software and network architecture to increase capacity, support 5G services and improve energy efficiency.

More than 50 additional sites will receive 4G capacity upgrades using 700MHz spectrum. The low-band spectrum provides wider coverage and better building penetration than higher-frequency bands, supporting connectivity in both urban and underserved areas.

Vodacom will also accelerate the deployment of new 5G sites in towns across the province, targeting higher capacity and faster data speeds for mobile and home broadband users.

The rollout will include areas such as Khayelitsha, Delft, Gugulethu, Langa, Mitchells Plain and Philippi, where demand for connectivity is growing.

Part of the investment will also support network resilience during power disruptions caused by load reduction, cable theft, municipal infrastructure failures and maintenance. Vodacom plans to deploy additional static generators and modernise batteries at existing sites.

Vodacom Western Cape managing executive Waldi Wepener said the investment would improve the quality, reliability and reach of the operator's network while supporting wider access to digital services.

Vodacom is also targeting affordability through its Just4You and Just4YourTown personalised voice and data offers. The operator said data usage in the Western Cape has increased by more than 40% over the past year.

Its Easy2Own device financing programme is intended to help customers move from 2G and 3G handsets to 4G and 5G smartphones, while its V-Hub platform provides free business advice and digital tools to SMEs.

Vodacom said the combination of network investment, affordable connectivity and device financing is intended to increase access to digital services including education, healthcare, financial services and employment opportunities.