DURBAN – Vodacom is investing over R800 million this financial year on building new network sites, modernising its mobile networks, full fibre broadband rollout and energy projects to accelerate broadband connectivity and provide customers with excellent service. Critically, and to bridge the digital divide in remote areas of the province, the region will deploy new sites in deep rural areas of the province that never had connectivity before.
Imran Khan, Managing Executive, Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal region commented, “We are making a significant investment in the network in KwaZulu-Natal in order to achieve our goal of building an inclusive digital society. Our goal is to give our customers an excellent network experience by increasing the availability of a reliable and high-quality connectivity by adding new sites and upgrading our network. Importantly, we have set aside resources to roll out 130 new sites in deep rural areas in Ugu, Umhlabuyalingana, Abaqulusi and Edumbe local municipalities. It is no longer acceptable for deep rural residents to observe the digital revolution from the sidelines; they must participate in it and benefit from the associated socio-economic benefits.”
The bulk of the funds will be used to improve radio access network, modernise the core the network infrastructure and deploying the latest and faster mobile networks such as LTE and 5G. This investment will provide faster network speeds and more connectivity for Vodacom customers across the province. Moreover, through this ongoing investment, by the end of the current financial year, Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal’s 3G population coverage will increase to 98.89%, 4G to 98.86% and 5G to 50%.
Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a 99.8% call setup success rate and a 0.3% call drop rate, which can be attributed to increasing investment in network services. “Our dedication to providing clients with a first-rate network experience is demonstrated by these results. We are making sure that our individual customers and businesses can benefit from connectivity no matter where they are with our reliable, wide coverage,” adds Khan.
The region has partnered with the provincial government and rolled-out a number of solutions to digitalise the public sector. For example, through the Digital Citizens Services, this platform has helped the provincial government in improving and managing service delivery in areas such as education, health and safety. In addition, SMEs are critical in supporting economic growth and employment in KwaZulu-Natal. In this regard, Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal region supports entrepreneurs, start-ups, small enterprises and our SME suppliers by providing connectivity, tailored platforms, solutions, products and services, training, and financial support. By connecting SMEs through guidance on available solutions, advice and best practice information, Vodacom is helping to improve their digital readiness.
For clients who are under severe financial strain, the cost of communication is still a big concern. In order to lower the cost to communicate, Vodacom KwaZulu Natal launched customised, discounted voice and data deals including Just4You and Just4You Town bundles for residents in certain KwaZulu-Natal municipalities, as well as larger prepaid data bundles with Prepaid LTE. More importantly, Vodacom announced Prepaid Fibre in Townships for as little as R249 in order to further promote inclusion and connectivity in all of our communities. To drive down the cost of smartphones and facilitate digital inclusion, especially for low-income earners, Vodacom has introduced Easy2Own, which allows customers to pay for a smart device using their airtime over 12 months from as little as R8.50 and additionally get voice and data allocation free daily.
In its purpose-led goal to build inclusion for all, the region continues to sponsor educational programmes that develop young people’s potential and advance socio-economic development in KwaZulu-Natal. The region provided 18-month internships for 100 youths and of these 76 have been permanently employed by Vodacom. The region donated tablets, books, stationery packs and uniforms to scores of learners at Nqayizivele Primary School in Umlazi and KwaDinda Primary School in Greytown. In addition, Vodacom KwaZulu-Natal donated R650 000 towards the relief efforts in Tongaat and Newcastle where a Tornado caused damage and devastation to these communities.
“We hope to significantly improve the communities we serve through our strategic alliances with local authorities and organisations. We are achieving our purpose of connecting everyone to a better future with our substantial network investment and ongoing CSI initiatives,” concludes Khan.