\n\t\tAs part of the merger, Maziv has committed to spending at least R12 billion, particularly in underserved areas.\n\t<\/p>\n
The Competition Commission has greenlit the merger of Maziv and Vodacom after at least three years of wrangling.<\/p>\n
The deal includes Vodacom acquiring a 30% interest in Maziv. In addition, Vodacom plans to transfer fibre assets to Maziv.<\/p>\n
Previously, the Competition Tribunal had said the deal is not in the best interest of the public<\/a> and would lessen competition, particularly in the market for 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and fibre.<\/p>\n However, after Maziv and Vodacom reworked their deal, the Competition Commission approved it. Maziv has welcomed the approval, labelling it as \u201ca critical milestone in South Africa\u2019s telecoms landscape\u201d.<\/p>\n ALSO READ: Competition Commission welcomes blocking of R14bn Vodacom merger<\/a><\/p>\n Maziv to spend R12 billion<\/p>\n Vodacom is one of South Africa\u2019s largest mobile operators, while Maziv is one of the largest fibre infrastructure players.<\/p>\n The two had to revisit the agreement and ensure it encourages investment and safeguards fair competition.<\/p>\n \u201cAs part of the merger conditions, Maziv has committed to spending at least R12 billion over the next five years, earmarked for broadband infrastructure expansion and maintenance, particularly in underserved areas,\u201d said Dietlof Mare, Maziv Group CEO.<\/p>\n Data for low-income areas<\/p>\n As fibre deployments slowdown in the country, Maziv said it aims to unlock the potential of internet connectivity for lower-income homes, to ensure more South Africans in remote areas participate in the digital economy.<\/p>\n The reworked deal between the two includes fibre expansion into underserved low-income areas, clinics, libraries, and schools, building on Maziv\u2019s existing school connectivity program that currently connects more than 950 schools with free 1Gbps uncapped fibre.<\/p>\n \u201cThis expansion will bring reliable, high-speed connectivity to spaces essential for learning, safety, and community development,\u201d adds Mare.<\/p>\n \u201cThese commitments are coupled with open access requirements, affordable broadband options for low-income households, and transformation measures that support small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME) growth, employee benefits, and community upliftment.\u201d<\/p>\n