US EditionMTN South Africa aims to boost 4G adoption with budget smartphones
- MTN South Africa launched a three-phase initiative in May 2025 to provide 1.2 million prepaid customers with discounted 4G smartphones.
- The initiative aligns with South Africa’s plan to discontinue older 2G and 3G services by the end of 2027, with the goal of enhancing digital access and assisting financially disadvantaged households.
- The first phase targets 5,000 carefully selected customers in Gauteng with Itel 5.5-inch smartphones priced at 99 rand, well below the usual 740 rand retail price.
- MTN will cover operational costs of 150 to 190 rand per device, including courier, call center, marketing, and incentives, to maintain network relevance and customer loyalty.
- This initiative positions MTN as a digital equity leader and aligns with government goals, although critics worry it may deepen the digital divide in remote low-income areas.
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MTN South Africa aims to boost 4G adoption with budget smartphones
JOHANNESBURG :MTN South Africa said it will offer 1.2 million of its prepaid customers 4G smartphones for as little as 99 rand ($5.42) to support digital adoption for low-income households, as the country gears up to switch off 2G and 3G technologies.The initiative will be executed in three phases, starting t
MTN to offer 1.2M cheap 4G devices
MTN South Africa outlined a plan to sell smartphones for ZAR99 ($5.42) to selected prepaid customers, a move positioned as an attempt to ensure nobody is left behind in the transition to 4G and 5G technology. The company plans to offer the deal to 5,000 people in the first stage, primarily users in the Gauteng province of the country. Qualifying customers will be chosen based on spending patterns, usage profile and how long they’ve been with the…
Charles Molapisi leads MTN South Africa's affordable smartphone rollout
Key PointsMTN South Africa offers 4G smartphones for R99 ($5.40) to over 1.2 million prepaid users, aiming to bridge South Africa's digital divide.CEO Charles Molapisi leads the initiative, emphasizing inclusive access to 4G and 5G connectivity for underserved communities across the country.The smartphone rollout, in partnership with Smartphone For All, will expand in three phases between May 2025 and the end of 2026.Charles Molapisi, CEO of MTN…
MTN offers Itel 4G smartphones for $5.4 in South Africa - TelecomLead
MTN has launched a major initiative to provide 1.2 million of its prepaid customers in South Africa with 4G smartphones at the significantly reduced price of just 99 rand (approximately $5.42). MTN store South Africa This move is aimed at promoting digital inclusion and supporting low-income households as the country prepares to phase out 2G and 3G technologies by December 31, 2027. The transition to faster 4G LTE and 5G networks is part of Sout…
MTN offers 4G phones to 1,2 million SA customers - CAJ News Africa
by AKANI CHAUKE JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – MTN South Africa is to offer 4G smartphones to more than 1,2 million prepaid customers as part of efforts to extend digital inclusion. These will be priced for R99 (US$5,40). The initiative will be executed in three phases, commencing in May 2025 until the end of 2026. In the first phase, 5 000 customers will be offered the smartphones. Selection will be based on usage profiles, spending patterns and te…
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