Vodacom invests billions to help bridge the digital divide in Limpopo
Over a billion Rand has been invested into Limpopo over the past four years to cater for the strong data growth and to extend broadband to areas which did not previously have network access, says Vodacom Limpopo Region Managing Executive, Imran Khan
LIMPOPO – R135 million has been invested into Vodacom’s network across Limpopo during the 2019/20 financial year.
This is according to Vodacom Limpopo Region Managing Executive, Imran Khan at the Vodacom Media Road Show held at Park-Inn by Radisson Hotel Polokwane on Tuesday.
“Over a billion Rand has been invested into Limpopo over the past four years to cater for the strong data growth and to extend broadband to areas which did not previously have network access.
“The 4G population covered has increased to 82% at the end of September. 3G coverage has increased to 99,6% of the population with high-speed transmission extended to 94% of all the sites across the region,” he said.
Capex’s investment of over R135 million has enabled Vodacom to widen 4G network coverage, increase data speed and help reduce the dropped-call rate, ensuring that Vodacom continues to deliver on their best network promise.
“We believe investing in our network ensures that we deliver best-in-class coverage and customer service, not only to urban areas but to people who dwell in townships and deep rural areas as well, to help bridge the digital divide. As part of our accelerated rural coverage programme, we deployed over 70 new rural network sites across the province in the current financial.
“Vodacom’s commitment to accelerate network coverage for people who live in deep rural areas has already yielded a great number of results. Within months of Vodacom having deployed the new 3G and 4G sites, most of these communities are now part of the Digital Revolution,” said Khan. In addition, Limpopo’s municipalities have benefited from the network investment which has enabled service delivery and enhanced customer experience across the region.
“The province has seen a sharp increase in data usage of 65% over the period of two years due to aggressive LTE sites roll-out, personalised Just 4 You offers, introduction of Just 4 Your Town discounted offers and the launch of affordable 4G devices.
“Our investments in the province provide to various demographic groups, rich and poor, young and old and educated and unskilled, with the ability to connect, learn and advance their ambitions,” he said.
