The telecom industry is one of the top businesses that rake in billions of dollars annually. They can make such large figures because they provide the channels for voice calls and access to the internet, which almost everyone uses in this present age.
In Africa, the telecom industry experienced an increase in the number of subscribers during the lockdown period. The surge has presented many telecom firms with the need to expand their services to new regions.
Vodacom, a South African mobile communications company, has announced its plans to pump over R320 million into network infrastructure across KwaZulu Natal between 2020 and 2021.
A large percentage of the funds will facilitate the construction of new LTE base station sites in the province’s rural and urban areas.
The infrastructure investment aims to eliminate communication barriers and provide access to fast internet for communities in the deep rural areas.
The presence of high-speed broadband is vital in the development of these rural communities. According to research, the areas in question are lagging in terms of broadband connection.
“Quality, strength, and reliability are the values that have guided us so far, and we have always maintained them. At Vodacom, investing in our network enables us to provide cutting-edge network coverage and customer service. We don’t service the urban areas alone. Our services are operational in deep rural areas. It gives the residents of such communities to take advantage of the benefits of the digital revolution,” says Executive Head of Operations for Vodacom KwaZulu Natal region, Ishmael Mathinya.
Also, part of the investment capital will help us to introduce ultra-fast fibres, which accelerates digital inclusion.
“There has been a great focus on broadband connectivity for long, especially in rural areas. Already, LTE coverage in rural areas is a little over 80%, and plans are underway to cover the remaining regions by the end of the 2021 financial year,” Ishmael concluded.