Vodacom invests over R500m in Western Cape network

Vodacom will invest more than R500m in network infrastructure in the Western Cape during the current financial year, with more than 50 sites set for upgrades or replacement and further 4G and 5G expansion planned across the province.

6 Oct 2026

Source: Magnific

Around R380m of the investment will go towards radio access network (RAN) modernisation, including next-generation hardware, software and network architecture.

Vodacom said more than 50 sites will be upgraded or replaced, with the work aimed at increasing network capacity, improving energy efficiency and supporting 5G capabilities.

A further 50-plus sites will receive 4G capacity upgrades using the 700MHz spectrum, which can cover greater distances and penetrate buildings more effectively than higher-frequency spectrum.

The investment will also accelerate the rollout of new 5G sites in towns across the Western Cape, supporting mobile and home internet services.

Focus on underserved areas

The network rollout will include areas such as Khayelitsha, Delft, Gugulethu, Langa, Mitchells Plain and Philippi, alongside other communities across the province.

Vodacom Western Cape managing executive Waldi Wepener said the investment was intended to improve the quality, reliability and reach of the company's network.

“Through improved connectivity, communities gain greater access to digital platforms for education, healthcare and financial services,” Wepener said.

The remaining capital expenditure will be directed towards energy resilience, including additional static generators and battery modernisation.

Vodacom said these measures are intended to maintain connectivity during temporary power disruptions linked to localised load reduction, cable theft, municipal infrastructure failures and maintenance.

Data usage rises

The network investment comes as Vodacom reports that data usage in the Western Cape has increased by more than 40% over the past year.

The company attributed part of its efforts to improve affordability to its Just4You and Just4YourTown platforms, which offer personalised voice and data deals based on customers' usage and location.

Vodacom also highlighted its Easy2Own device financing programme, launched in 2023, which allows customers to access smartphones through financing and supports migration from older 2G and 3G devices to 4G and 5G handsets.

For small and medium-sized businesses, Vodacom's V-Hub platform provides free online business advice and digital tools covering areas including cybersecurity, financial management and digital transformation.

Wepener said the company was working with government, businesses and other stakeholders to expand access to digital services across the province.