Is Vodacom Discriminating Against Rural 5G Users?
Unexpected 5G Boost Before Good Friday
Last of last week on the Thursday before Good Friday I noticed something strange: my Vodacom 5G signal suddenly jumped from zero bars to a solid connection right inside my home. Normally I have to step outside and stand behind the house, toggle airplane mode on and off, and even then 5G will only stick for a split second.
A Quick Return to “Normal” on Monday
By Monday, April 21, the signal had dropped back to its usual state weak or non-existent indoors just as it was before the long weekend. It felt as though that short lived boost was a test run, or worse, reserved for someone else’s benefit.
Why 5G Matters for Gamers
For gamers like me, 4G simply isn’t stable enough:
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Vodacom 4G: Latency spikes between 40 ms and 120 ms on Call of Duty: Mobile, making enemy movements appear as choppy as a 4K video on a decade old PC.
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Vodacom 5G (when it works): Consistently sits around 20–40 ms, which is a world apart for fast-paced multiplayer.
Without reliable 5G, I’m constantly at a disadvantage rubber-banding, invisible enemies, and those costly “ghost” deaths.
Who Really Got That 5G Boost?
It seems too coincidental that the boost happened just before the holiday. My suspicion? Vodacom prioritized commuters heading back to Limpopo from Johannesburg those who can afford a 5G-capable device and whose data gets used on high-revenue routes. In other words, if you’re “important” enough (or wealthy enough) to travel to the city and back, you get 5G; everyone else is left on 4G.
Understanding Vodacom 5G Coverage Map and Its Impact
Considering MTN as an Alternative
I have experienced playing ‘Call of Duty: Mobile’ on MTN with latency ranging from 20–50 ms, depending on the time of day. While not flawless, MTN’s signal consistency offers a more reliable gaming experience, despite occasional disruptions mid-match.
Vodacom’s uneven 5G deployment not only inconveniences users but also raises concerns of potential discrimination. Access to dependable connectivity should be universal, rather than restricted to urban areas. Whether for gaming, streaming, or everyday communication, it is imperative for Vodacom to ensure equitable access to reliable 5G services.
What are your thoughts on this matter?