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Vodacom, Orange To Bridge Digital Divide, Expand Network Coverage In Underserved Communities  

Determined to bridge the digital divide and expand network coverage in underserved communities, Vodacom and Orange have pledged to jointly construct up to 2,000 new solar-powered base stations over six years, using 2G and 4G technologies.

Through this partnership, the companies will collaborate to build, own, and operate solar-powered mobile base stations in underserved areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to the companies, this initiative will extend network coverage and enable access to telecommunications and mobile financial services to up to 19 million people in less densely populated rural communities, reinforcing their commitment to bridging the digital divide and driving inclusive growth.

Speaking about the partnership, Shameel Joosub, chief executive officer of Vodacom Group said that with a footprint serving over 210 million customers across Africa, both companies have the opportunity to significantly contribute to the continent’s socio-economic development by building a digital society and fostering inclusivity for all.

Joosub said this aligns with the company’s plan to connect for a better future, adding that the partnership with Orange is a crucial step towards providing mobile coverage to people in previously underserved areas in the DRC.

To achieve their plans, the companies have pledged to jointly construct up to 2,000 new solar-powered base stations over six years, using 2G and 4G technologies. This agreement commences with an initial commitment of 1,000 sites after which Orange and Vodacom may scale the project by a further 1,000 towers. The completion of this joint venture remains subject to the approval of administrative, regulatory, and competition authorities.

Jérôme Hénique, chief executive officer of Orange Middle East and Africa said  

The company’s longstanding presence in Africa, including over 10 years in the DRC, has equipped us with a deep understanding of the market and customer needs.

Hénique said collaborating with Vodacom by sharing both passive and active infrastructure is the most effective approach to fulfilling its commitment to accelerating connectivity access for everyone, including rural areas, while minimizing its environmental footprint.

He further said that beyond enhancing population coverage, this combined investment will enable consumers to access voice, data, and mobile money services.

With the first base station expected to start operating in 2025, Orange and Vodacom will be sharing active and passive equipment owned by the joint venture as anchor tenants for an initial term of 20 years. 

The joint venture will offer its passive infrastructure to any MNO interested wherever technically feasible to increase usage and promote a wider range of options for the population. 

Mobile Internet penetration in the DRC is at 32.3 percent and Orange and Vodacom’s announcement to construct new base stations in the country aligns with the country’s new vision for the digital economy as included in the National Digital Plan Horizon 2025 adopted in 2019.

The plan aims to foster digital transformation across various sectors, leading to improved public services, enhanced economic growth, and equitable access to digital services for all citizens.

This initiative emphasises e-citizenship, e-government, and e-commerce and is expected to contribute to job creation, bridge the digital divide, and boost the country’s GDP.

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