Vodacom commits over US$56mn to improve 4G/5G coverage, digital tools, and SME growth in Mpumalanga province

Vodacom Mpumalanga is taking decisive steps to advance digital inclusion by allocating R620 million (approx. US$34.7mn) towards its network for the current financial year

This investment is aimed at enhancing network infrastructure and expanding connectivity, especially in deep rural and township communities, underscoring Vodacom's commitment to building a digitally inclusive society.

In the 2024–2025 financial year, the region had already invested more than R400 million, and for 2025–2026, it is committing an additional R620 million to extend broadband coverage across the province. This brings the total investment to over R1 billion (approx. US$56mn) in two years—part of Vodacom's long-term goal to provide the most extensive and reliable network for all South Africans, regardless of location.

Given Mpumalanga’s challenging terrain and remoteness, Vodacom is intensifying its 4G and 5G site deployment using licensed spectrum (L700, L1800, and L2100) to enhance coverage and capacity in underserved areas. The province now hosts over 1,300 mobile infrastructure sites, 41% of which are connected to high-speed fibre, enabling faster and more stable internet access for homes, schools, businesses, and government institutions.

The investment also covers mobile network boosters, upgraded transmission technology, and backup power systems designed to address issues arising from Eskom’s grid instability, vandalism, and theft.

“Data traffic in Mpumalanga has increased by over 42% year-on-year, with 90% of this carried over 4G. As demand grows, Vodacom's network investment is not only improving connectivity for its customers in the region but laying the groundwork for a more inclusive digital economy. By increasing coverage and capacity, we can ensure that all our customers can be empowered by technology, whether that is access to education and essential services, or helping the growth of enterprises, from SMEs to the public sector, through transformative digital solutions,” commented Monde Ngcukana, managing executive for Vodacom Mpumalanga Region.

In parallel with infrastructure upgrades, Vodacom is addressing affordability challenges, such as the cost of devices and data, which can hinder digital participation. Its Easy2Own initiative promotes smartphone access through a flexible financing model where customers pay an initial deposit and repay in manageable instalments. In July, in celebration of Mandela Day, Vodacom launched its R67 smartphone campaign in selected stores nationwide, including Mpumalanga. This initiative supports the transition from basic phones to 4G-enabled devices. Meanwhile, personalised data offers—Just 4 You and Just 4 Your Town—use individual usage patterns and location data to reduce connectivity costs.

Vodacom’s smart solutions are also enabling better public service delivery across Mpumalanga. The SmartGov Platform digitises administrative processes, increasing real-time transparency. With the SmartCitizen Engagement app, residents can log service issues, which government teams can address more efficiently via multi-channel contact centres and mobile-enabled teams. Smart Utilities tools improve billing accuracy for water and electricity, while SmartPlaces and SmartBuildings enhance energy efficiency, environmental monitoring, and security. Smart Asset Management further assists local authorities with predictive maintenance and improved audit outcomes.

To stimulate the local economy, Vodacom supports Mpumalanga’s SMEs through Vodacom Business, which provides data bundles and digital tools such as cloud hosting, cybersecurity, POS systems, and IoT technologies. For those needing financing, VodaLend offers flexible loans of up to R5 million, disbursed within 24 hours and with no collateral or early settlement penalties.

Internally, Vodacom Mpumalanga also prioritises local partnerships by working with community-based contractors and security companies, many of whom contribute directly to network deployment and benefit from job creation initiatives.

“By removing barriers to access and partnering with government and business, we are giving the people of Mpumalanga the tools to learn, work, innovate, grow and connect to a better future,” concluded Ngcukana.

Amritesh Anand, vice-president and managing director of Technology Services Group at In2IT Technologies. (Image source: In2IT Technologies)

Amritesh Anand, vice-president and managing director of Technology Services Group at In2IT Technologies, believes cloud optimisation is now fundamental to digital transformation in South Africa

With the country’s cloud services market expanding at a compound annual growth rate of 24.5% through 2025, the need to optimise cloud investments has never been more urgent. According to Anand, unlocking the full value of cloud technologies requires more than migration – it demands a strategic approach, backed by expert IT partnerships.

Cloud optimisation ensures cloud resources are used efficiently, workloads are balanced correctly, and operating costs are effectively managed. Without this, businesses risk over-provisioning or underutilising resources, which can lead to high costs or performance slowdowns. Anand highlights a typical scenario where a manufacturing company transitions to the cloud without expert input and ends up overpaying for unused services or struggling to meet demand during peak times.

In South Africa, many businesses are adopting hybrid and multi-cloud strategies to achieve flexibility and maintain control over sensitive data. But these strategies bring their own complexity. Anand explains that this is where IT partners play a pivotal role — helping organisations ensure seamless integration between platforms, implementing scalable architectures, and setting up predictive systems to plan resource usage.

Security and regulatory compliance are also top priorities. In a market governed by strict data privacy rules such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), organisations must ensure they are compliant while maintaining system performance. IT partners support this by introducing robust governance frameworks and security protocols tailored to industry requirements. For instance, a healthcare provider managing sensitive patient records would rely on an IT partner to meet compliance obligations while ensuring the integrity and security of data.

IT partners also play a key role in enabling innovation by taking over daily infrastructure management. This allows businesses to focus on developing new products, services, and user experiences. Anand notes that for startups and public sector agencies alike, this can drastically speed up time-to-market. A fintech company, for example, might lean on its IT partner to manage the backend systems while it concentrates on launching customer-facing digital platforms.

Beyond cost efficiency and compliance, cloud optimisation enhances scalability and resilience. A logistics company operating across southern Africa could partner with an IT firm to develop a hybrid cloud solution that integrates real-time tracking with predictive analytics. This not only boosts operational performance but also supports strategic expansion.

Anand emphasises that while South Africa’s cloud landscape is rich in potential, challenges such as skills shortages and fragmented infrastructure persist. Expert IT partners bridge this gap — offering customised solutions, negotiating cost-effective contracts with providers, and helping businesses get the most out of their cloud environments.

As cloud adoption accelerates across industries, organisations that partner with the right IT experts will be best positioned to scale effectively, remain secure, and lead innovation. In today’s fast-evolving digital ecosystem, cloud optimisation is no longer optional — it’s a strategic necessity.

Nokia teams up with AFR-IX Telecom to deliver high-speed digital connectivity via Medusa subsea cable system

Nokia has announced its role in powering the Medusa submarine cable system, a large-scale infrastructure project owned by AFR-IX Telecom

The new subsea fibre-optic network will link the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea—creating a high-capacity digital corridor that is set to enhance connectivity, spark innovation, and drive economic progress across the connected regions.

The Medusa subsea system aims to reduce the digital divide between Europe and North Africa by offering high-capacity fibre connectivity to countries including Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. Built as an open-access cable network, Medusa will allow regional telecom operators to access advanced data services, supporting the expansion of 5G networks, the rise of cloud-based systems, and growing bandwidth needs driven by artificial intelligence and next-generation technologies.

Using Nokia’s 1830 GX Series platform and its advanced ICE7 coherent optics, the system will deliver tens of terabits per second per fibre pair—ensuring high-speed, low-latency connectivity with efficient performance in both cost and power usage.

“Medusa is laying the groundwork for a more connected and inclusive digital future. With Nokia’s subsea optical solution, we will be able to deliver greater value to our customers by offering faster, more reliable connectivity at a lower cost, with the flexibility to scale as needs evolve. This partnership ensures we meet the demands of today while building a strong, future-ready infrastructure for tomorrow,” said Miguel Angel Acero, chief technical officer and founder of Medusa.

“Medusa is helping to deliver new, faster and more reliable connectivity to millions of people, opening the door to greater innovation and deeper integration into the global digital economy. At Nokia, we’re proud to support this transformative project, bridging continents and enabling the future of an AI-driven society,” said John Harrington, senior vice-president & head of NI Europe, MEA & APAC Sales at Nokia.

Sparkle and Algérie Télécom join forces to boost Algeria’s digital future with new subsea cable to Europe

Sparkle, Italy’s first international service provider and a global telecom leader, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Algérie Télécom, Algeria’s primary fixed-line and internet service provider, to develop a new subsea cable connecting Italy and Algeria

The agreement was announced at the sixth Italy-Algeria Business Forum, which took place in Rome in the presence of Giorgia Meloni, president of the council of ministers of Italy, and Abdelmadjid Tebboune, president of the people's Democratic Republic of Algeria.

Through this strategic partnership, Sparkle and Algérie Télécom will jointly develop a submarine cable and collaborate on a wider range of digital initiatives. These include cybersecurity and cloud computing services, technical support for data center development, and training across key technical areas. The agreement also includes establishing a point of presence in Europe exclusively for Algérie Télécom to further boost Algeria’s digital transformation.

The dedicated cable system will deliver a high-capacity route between the two countries, enhancing performance, ensuring ultra-low latency, and offering complete redundancy when compared to current infrastructure. It will also help address rising demand for digital content and connectivity, benefiting both residential and commercial users.

“This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening digital ties between Europe and North Africa,” said Enrico Bagnasco, CEO of Sparkle. “We are proud to contribute to Algeria’s digital future by delivering modern infrastructure as well as innovative and secure solutions for fast and resilient international connectivity.”

“The strategic partnership with Sparkle confirms the long-standing relationship between our two companies and reflects our shared commitment to innovation and excellence,” said Adel Bentoumi, CEO of Algérie Télécom. “We believe that this project will play a key role in diversifying our international routes and in meeting the increasing needs of our customers across Algeria.”

The Italy-Algeria Business Forum promotes closer bilateral ties across sectors such as energy, education, innovation, agriculture, and culture. It aligns with Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, which is focused on fostering balanced and mutually beneficial partnerships with African nations.