Vodacome Passes Subscriber Landmark

South Africa's Vodacom says that its customer base in South Africa had passed the 16 million mark, putting paid to long held speculation that the local market was nearing saturation.

Says Alan Knott-Craig,Group CEO, Vodacom: "We believe that should current business models remain in place, the market will continue to grow, ultimately reaching 40 million in the next three to five years, representing a penetration rate approaching 90%. The South African cellular industry is an international success story, with penetration rates of over 57% on a population basis.

Some 27 million South Africans are now empowered with cell phones to participate in South Africa's economy, connect with family and friends and become part of the global communications environment. Cellphones have effectively 'democratised' communication, embracing previously disenfranchised South Africans from all over the country," he said.

The announcement comes in the midst of a cell phone market which is under Government scrutiny and in the midst of further liberalisation.

Commenting on the current regulatory environment, Knott-Craig said: "Government and ICASA should be commended for allowing free market forces to flourish in South Africa and for creating an environment which has ultimately enabled 27 million people access to communication, translating into social upliftment, job creation, and contributing to a stable and active economy."

Posted to the site on 25th October 2005