MTN’s big plans for mobile in South Africa
MTN wants to become South Africa’s biggest digital network and service provider in the South African market by 2025, and is ramping up the number of enablement solutions it can provide at speed and with added cost and efficiency benefits.
“Our aim is to create shared value by placing our partners at the centre of all we do. The recent success of the Cell C transition is a perfect example of this value creation in action as we continue to build and grow our presence aggressively in a market crying out for a trusted, innovative, and cost-efficient partner,” said MTN SA Wholesale Executive, Quintus de Beer.
Cell C recently said that it had brought forward the transition of its network operations into its new operating model.
This new network transition involves de-activating Cell C’s radio infrastructure into a virtualised radio access network hosted by MTN, eliminating the pricey investment and operational management of towers and network sites by Cell C.
In effect, MTN wants to become a bigger mobile network wholesaler.
MTN said the move comes as the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) market matures rapidly and constructs improved value and entry points.
MVNOs do not own the wireless network infrastructure on which they provide services but can improve their market share due to the speed at which they can gain access to network services at wholesale rates, the group said.
The MVNO Market Report by BMIT said that the collective market share of MVNOs will increase in the next two to three years and will account for 10-12% of mobile subscribers in five years.
“The bigger, broader market this model creates is good for everyone as it helps users get access to the digital solutions they need, while helping prospective MVNOs to gain a share of selected target markets and boost job creation, which will ultimately contribute to the growth of the entire digital economy.”
“This is truly a virtuous cycle in action and is extremely healthy for our sector, and economy and will help improve lives and livelihoods.”
“MVNOs, therefore, form a big part of our wholesale partner proposition and aligns with ICASA’s ambitions of introducing smaller players into the sector,” said de Beer.
To achieve its goals by 2025, MTN said that it is driving connectivity through an array of connectivity value propositions.
“Our products and services utilise MTN’s leading network infrastructure, and we are continuously investing in new infrastructure to extend our network coverage,” he adds.
“MTN National Wholesale is open for business for small and large players,” concluded de Beer.
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