Vodacom has announced that monthly fees for its contract customers will increase starting 1 March 2025. To offset the impact, the mobile operator is adding extra data to selected packages.
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“Price adjustments are an annual necessity driven by inflation and rising operational costs,” Vodacom explained. “We’ve kept the average increase to 4.5%.”
The affected plans include RED Integrated, mobile broadband (data), fixed wireless access (Home Internet), RED VIP, and Flexi postpaid. However, device financing charges will remain unchanged.
“We’ve absorbed additional costs to keep device fees, insurance fees, SMS and MMS rates, and out-of-bundle data rates stable,” the company said.
Addressing concerns about mid-contract price changes, Vodacom stated it is legally permitted to adjust terms provided customers receive at least 20 working days’ notice. “This complies with the Consumer Protection Act, as the increase aligns with inflation,” it added.
For customers who recently signed contracts, Vodacom will offer a grace period. Those who joined in January will see their fee increase from 1 April 2025, while contracts signed between February and 7 March will only increase from 1 May 2025.
Vodacom clarified that the price increase for multi-line or family plans depends on the specifics of the package. For example, if a second line is offered as a “Free 100% discount,” it will remain unaffected. However, non-discounted lines or double deals will see price adjustments.
The increases will also apply to family deals with changeable lines and postpaid customers who are out of contract. Those out of contract may face additional costs as promotional discounts expire.
If a Black Friday promotion is tied to an impacted plan, the price increase will apply, Vodacom confirmed.
Vodacom said the price adjustments reflect intensified global inflation and rising operational expenses, including maintaining network infrastructure. It highlighted that base station vandalism and battery theft have further driven up costs.
In the fiscal year ending 31 March 2024, Vodacom invested R11.1 billion to bolster network resilience, leverage new spectrum assets, and enhance IT platforms. “These investments support our competitive edge and ensure the widest network access across South Africa,” the company said.
At the 2023 South African Investment Conference, Vodacom pledged R60 billion over the next five years, following a prior commitment of R50 billion delivered between 2018 and 2023.
Vodacom reiterated its commitment to bridging the digital divide through rural coverage programmes and providing value to customers. “We are aware of the cost-of-living pressures and will continue to provide additional value to help keep connectivity affordable,” it stated.
