Vodacom Announces Price Hike

Vodacom has started informing contract customers on the pricing rise that would take effect from February 1, 2026, citing the need to maintain network investment.

The price rise will affect Vodacom’s contract plans which are Mobile Broadband (SIM-only data), Home Internet (FWA), RED Integrated, RED Flexi, RED VIP, and legacy plans.

A Vodacom representative informed a South African based member of the press, MyBroadband that “the adjustment reflects ongoing inflationary pressures and rising network and operating costs, along with continued investment to maintain and improve network quality and reliability.”

“Vodacom South Africa intends to invest roughly R12 billion (approximately $7.132 Billion) in the current fiscal year to increase 4G and 5G coverage, bolster network resilience, and enhance customer experience.”

This aim is to ensure that no one is left behind, Vodacom said that rollouts in underserved and rural communities are part of its network efforts.

Vodacom said its network investments have allowed it to install more robust power backup systems, helping more subscribers stay connected during electricity outages.

The company also said it has invested in its data network as well to enable seamless browsing and streaming experience through improved 4G and 5G performance.

Vodacom has also assured its subscribers that it is investing in all its customer service channels to provide easier, more seamless support with enhanced digital assistance.

Vodacom’s customer warning follows MTN’s announcement to many of its contract subscribers that its consumer contract pricing would be increasing as of February 1st.

There will be a grace period before price rises take effect for customers who signed up for a new contract starting on November 1, 2025.

Vodacom advising it customers who had joined during its annual price increase period, as they do understand their cost pressures.”

“For this reason, a two-month grace period will be extended to all new and upgrading customers.”

Deals and promotions on Black Friday are given the same grace period. On March 1, 2026, all subscribers who signed a new contract between November 1 and December 31 will see price rises.

Additionally, Vodacom clarified that all post-paid consumers, including those whose contracts had matured and were on month-to-month plans will also be impacted by the price changes.

It issued a warning that “those out of contract may experience higher costs due to promotional add-ons and discounts disappearing at the end of the contract term.”

Due to strong strategic execution and a more stable macroeconomic climate, Vodacom’s most recent interim results (for the six months ending September 30, 2025) revealed a 32.3% increase in interim profit.

Contract-mobile subscriber revenue increased by 3.7% in the preceding period, contributing to the company’s service revenue boom in South Africa. This increase was partly caused by a prior pricing increase that was enacted in March 2025. It is anticipated that the current price rises would further boost earnings and sales growth.

For the full scope of the tables that provides a summary of Vodacom’s contract price hikes, which will go into effect on February 1, 2026, visit here.