Vodacom South Africa has started using a new 5G technology across its network. The company said the change will raise speeds and give the network more room when many people are online.
The mobile operator announced on Thursday, 12 November 2026, that it had switched on New Radio (NR) Carrier Aggregation on its 5G network. Vodacom said it is the first operator in the market to use the technology on a commercial scale.
The technology joins several 5G spectrum bands into one wider data channel. This lets the network carry more information at the same time.
“NR Carrier Aggregation is not just about faster peak speeds but about creating a network that performs consistently when it matters the most,” said Beverly Ngwenya, technology director at Vodacom South Africa.
Ngwenya said the aim was to improve the customer experience, not only top download speeds. “This innovation reflects our commitment to delivering the best 5G experience in South Africa,” she said.
Vodacom said the upgrade should help most in busy areas, where large numbers of customers connect at once. The company said users should see better performance at those times, not only when few people are connected.
For ordinary users, the company expects smoother video streaming, better online gaming and faster downloads. It also expects a more reliable connection.
Vodacom said businesses that rely on cloud apps, video calls and real-time data should also benefit. “For our business customers, this translates into a more resilient platform for digital operations,” Ngwenya said.
She added that organisations depend more and more on cloud tools and constant connectivity. “Carrier Aggregation strengthens that foundation, enabling them to scale operations with confidence,” she said.
The company said the technology also lets it use its available spectrum more efficiently. This means it can deliver more data while keeping the network stable. “As network demand surges, telecom operators must find smarter ways to use available spectrum,” Vodacom said.
Vodacom said the rollout is a full commercial launch and not a small trial. The feature is already part of its live 5G network.
According to the company, customers with compatible devices are already getting more capacity and faster, steadier performance. Ngwenya said the system would be continuously optimised to keep the network performing well.
The upgrade comes as demand for mobile data keeps growing in South Africa. The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) published its State of the ICT Sector Report in March 2026.
The ICASA report said 5G population coverage reached 58% in 2025. It also said the country’s ICT sector grew by 0.8% in 2025, while telecommunications revenue rose by 1.6%.
Source: this article is based on reporting by IOL Business Report. Image: IOL Business Report. Written with the help of AI and published by the Tzaneen Voice Business desk. See our Editorial Standards.
Anelisa Nkuna covers business and money news for Tzaneen Voice. Anelisa reports on the rand, fuel prices, interest rates, jobs, Eskom, Transnet, farming and company results. The aim is simple: explain what the numbers mean for household budgets, small businesses and workers in South Africa.