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Vodacom (Congo (DRC)) uses 2 GSM bands and 1 UMTS band. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work with Vodacom (Congo (DRC)). See the tables below for details.

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Carrier website: https://www.vodacom.cd

Vodacom Congo (DRC) operates a significant mobile network in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), providing a range of communication services including mobile voice, messaging, internet, financial, and converged services. Here are key points about their mobile network:

  1. Subscriber Base:

    • Vodacom DRC has over 21 million mobile phone subscribers, with a market share of 39.31% as of the first quarter of 2023.
    • The company also has 10.36 million mobile internet subscribers, holding a market share of 36.75% in the same period.
  2. Network Expansion:

    • The primary operational goal is to continue expanding 4G coverage across the country and 3G in specific areas.
    • Vodacom has acquired additional telecom spectrum in the first quarter of FY2023-2024, which is crucial for providing affordable data pricing and enhancing fixed-wireless access.
  3. 5G Testing:

    • Vodacom is currently testing 5G technology in the DRC under the supervision of the industry regulator, ARPTC.
    • The tests aim to ensure the company's readiness for deploying ultra-high-speed internet and to develop viable use cases for future network upgrades.
  4. Data Revenue:

    • Data revenue has seen significant growth, increasing by 30% year on year, driven by the expansion of the 4G network and the use of higher frequencies for 5G.
    • The company is diversifying its revenue streams, focusing on data, mobile money, and enterprise services.
  5. Mobile Money:

    • Vodacom DRC has six million ‘30-day active’ mobile money customers, with a focus on basic services like cash-in, cash-out, and peer-to-peer transactions.
    • The company is integrating its mobile money platform with banks and other services to enhance its offerings, including bank-to-wallet, wallet-to-bank, and forex trading.
  6. Digital Initiatives:

    • Vodacom DRC supports digital entrepreneurship and partnerships through the Vodacom Foundation, which includes the installation of Digital Labs across the country.
    • These Digital Labs provide space for learning, research, prototyping, and full connectivity, aiming to increase digital literacy among the youth and reduce the digital divide.
  7. Inclusion and Accessibility:

    • The company is committed to reducing the cost of devices to address the digital divide. They offer subsidies, discounts, and financing options to make 4G devices more affordable for low-income communities.
    • Vodacom also provides free access to online platforms and resources, such as ConnectU, which supports less privileged communities in areas like health, education, and employment.

Overall, Vodacom Congo (DRC) is actively expanding its mobile network to improve coverage and service quality, while also focusing on digital inclusion and financial services to support economic growth and development in the region.


Frequency Bands

GSM

Name Interface Description
900 MHz (E-GSM) GSM

Vodacom Congo (DRC) uses the GSM 900 MHz (E-GSM) frequency band. The deployment of this frequency band in the DRC is not specified in the provided information.

1800 MHz (DCS) GSM

Vodacom Congo (DRC) uses the GSM 1800 MHz (DCS) frequency band. This band is primarily used for Digital Cellular System (DCS) services, which offer voice communication, text messaging (SMS), and basic data communications. The 1.8-GHz frequency band provides advantages such as reduced signal interference and greater channel availability compared to the more crowded 900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands predominantly used by GSM. DCS systems incorporate features like Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) to enhance network reliability and security. DCS emerged in the early 1990s and was initially adopted in Europe and certain parts of Asia, complementing GSM where the 1.8-GHz band was available and less congested.


UMTS

Name Interface Description
B1 (2100 MHz) UMTS

Vodacom Congo (DRC) uses the UMTS B1 (2100 MHz) frequency band. This band is widely used for 3G services and supports various networks. The deployment of this band by Vodacom Congo (DRC) is not specified in the provided information.


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