Vodacom is investing the sum of R300 million in the connectivity of remote areas in Limpopo. This project aims to increase the Broadband connection in the interior areas of the Province that have not been able to access the internet connection
Ridwaan Soomra, the Managing Executive of Vodacom Limpopo Region, in a statement expressed his enthusiasm for the project. Stating that Vodacom is excited to be investing in Limpopo this financial year. Vodacom strives to provide quality network coverage for its customers living in rural areas. The improvement of network quality plays a vital role in the company’s aim to build a digital future alongside boosting socio-economic growth in the Province.
Vodacom Gives a Brief of the Project
A large percentage of the project involves building a modernized system for the Province’s network, constructing deeper network towers, and enhancing the transmission. The company hopes that from this investment, there would be resources to support the increasing network traffic which shoots up by 17.4% annually.
Limpopo has a total of 1557 network sites currently. 97% provide 3G and 92% provide 4G, from statistics. This marks an increase in broadband coverage year-on-year. Vodacom, the first mobile operator to establish a 5G connection in Limpopo in Polokwane and Thohonyandou last year, intends to double 5G coverage in the region by the end of the 2023 financial year.
Vodacom Strengthens the Network Security
Vodacom strengthened the network security of the system and upgraded the backup power solution of the area. This measure was taken to ensure the availability of network coverage during challenges such as site vandalism and load shedding. In a statement, the company confirmed that more than R300 million has been invested in overcoming power cuts. From the record, the generator fleet increased by 35%, payment for its repairs spiked up to 170%, and over R8 million was spent on fuel to sustain the generators during an outage
Vodacom Provides Employment Opportunities in Limpopo
In line with the project, Vodacom provided employment opportunities to citizens of Limpopo as the region is regarded as the second province with the largest value in unemployment. The company launched the Get-a-Gig program which connects job seekers to available jobs by Vodacom and its partners.
Also, Vodacom is concerned about partnering with small businesses as a way of increasing the province’s economic growth. In the company’s report, Investing in the network gives room to reach customers in outlying areas, thereby enabling them access to financial services and transformative digital solutions better
