Vertical: Oil & Gas
Application: Industrial operations, safety monitoring, asset management, real-time communications
Ecosystem: Vodacom Business
Vodacom Business has deployed a Mobile Private Network at Sasol’s synthetic fuel facility in Secunda, Mpumalanga, South Africa, serving approximately 3,000 workers across the petrochemical complex. The solution provides a more efficient alternative to traditional Wi-Fi infrastructure that would have required extensive deployment across the vast industrial site.
“As part of Sasol’s digitalisation journey, there is a focus on utilising technology to improve processes that impact safety and efficiency across our facilities,” explained Victor Bester, Sasol’s Executive Vice President of Operations and Projects. “This initiative allows us to accelerate these efforts through improved connectivity and control of the mobile network deployed at our Secunda production facility.”
The Mobile Private Network architecture ensures all data processing occurs on-site, delivering ultra-low latency, high uptime, and enhanced security protocols essential for petrochemical operations. Peter Malebye, Managing Executive at Vodacom Business, emphasized the tailored approach: “Our MPN solution … delivers the scalability and reliability required to ensure continuity for its mission-and business-critical applications.”
The deployment enables real-time monitoring of equipment and processes, improved asset management, enhanced safety compliance, and seamless team collaboration. The network also supports future innovations including digital twins and remote operations capabilities.
“When all of this comes together, an organisation can ultimately bring in other innovations, such as digital twins or enable remote and autonomous operations to improve planning,” Malebye noted.
The private network provides exclusive access with guaranteed service levels and complete control over network resources, addressing coverage challenges common in large industrial facilities. Unlike public mobile networks that may struggle with consistent coverage across vast operational areas, the dedicated infrastructure ensures reliable connectivity throughout the facility.
From a cost perspective, the solution eliminates the need for extensive Wi-Fi infrastructure while reducing both capital expenditure and ongoing operational costs. The integrated approach provides superior performance characteristics specifically designed for industrial applications.
“While MPNs are becoming increasingly relevant in a South African context, they are not yet as widespread as traditional public mobile networks,” Malebye observed. “Vodacom Business has been a pioneer in developing tailored MPN offerings for our clients in the southern African region.”
The successful implementation demonstrates the viability of private mobile networks for large-scale industrial operations, providing a foundation for future digital innovations while addressing immediate operational requirements. The partnership reflects a broader trend toward specialized connectivity solutions that enable industrial companies to leverage advanced communications technologies while maintaining operational control and security.
