Cellular11.11.2013

Vodacom’s plan: best network, best service, best value

By Staff Writer

Vodacom released its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2013, which showed strong revenue and customer growth across the group.

As part of its results presentation, the company gave an overview of its strategic objectives – which included a strong focus on data, and offering the best value and service levels to customers.

As part of its drive to offer the best network to customers, Vodacom continued its strong investment in its local data network.

“In South Africa, we invested R3.1 billion in the network during the period and increased 3G coverage to 88.9% of the population,” said Vodacom CEO, Shameel Joosub.

Joosub said that Vodacom has a strong focus on its customers, which includes offering them the best network, best service and best value in the country.

Vodacom strategy

Best network in South Africa

Joosub said that Vodacom has taken a clear lead in South Africa when it comes to network quality and coverage.

“Our 3G data network now covers 88.9% of the population from 83.6% in the prior year. Our site roll out continues with the addition of 407 sites to total 6,574 3G sites and our LTE network now comprises 727 sites,” Vodacom said in its results statement.

He also compared Vodacom’s coverage and average speeds with other networks, which showed a significant lead for the company in these areas.

Vodacom network

Delivering best value to customers

As part of its strategy to deliver the best value to customers, Vodacom is actively migrating customers to integrated contract plans which offer bundled voice, data and SMSes.

Vodacom said that 41.8% of contract customers changed to Smart and Red plans, which offer “worry free pricing”.

Vodacom migration

Vodacom’s future plans

Joosub said that the operator will continue to focus on network quality and broadband services, with fibre to the home, DSL-like products and the best network for video.