Vodacom reaches 17,5 mln subscribers

JOHANNESBURG – South African cellular operator Vodacom has increased its subscribers to 17,5 million, making it the fastest growing network in the Vodafone stable, the firm said in statement yesterday.

“We signed just under 1,1 million subscribers in December – a new record in a month since Vodacom was formed,” a spokesman for the firm said. The previous record was 750 000 new subscribers achieved in September.Vodacom said the growth is a strong indication of the optimism and the buoyancy of the South African economy as it enters 2006.British cellular giant Vodafone is in the process of raising its stake in Vodacom, Africa’s biggest operator by subscribers, to 50 per cent from 35 per cent.South Africa’s phone giant Telkom owns the other half.Last month the Competition Commission gave the British firm’s US$2,4 billion bid for a 15 per cent stake in Vodacom held by Investment firm Venfin a nod.-Nampa-ReutersThe previous record was 750 000 new subscribers achieved in September.Vodacom said the growth is a strong indication of the optimism and the buoyancy of the South African economy as it enters 2006.British cellular giant Vodafone is in the process of raising its stake in Vodacom, Africa’s biggest operator by subscribers, to 50 per cent from 35 per cent.South Africa’s phone giant Telkom owns the other half.Last month the Competition Commission gave the British firm’s US$2,4 billion bid for a 15 per cent stake in Vodacom held by Investment firm Venfin a nod.-Nampa-Reuters