MTN network rollout in Northern Region connects the unconnected to the digital world
Improving network coverage is good for SA and all its people.
Being connected brings access to education, crime-fighting, healthcare services and drives the economy and social development. MTN is committed to making a difference by broadening this access for more people.
This is why MTN invests in South Africa’s digital infrastructure and supports local communities everywhere. According to the MyBroadband Mobile Network Quality Report for Q3 2024, MTN has been recognised as having the best overall network in South Africa. This recognition, alongside the prestigious “Best In Test” certification awarded to MTN by umlaut, an independent global benchmarking organisation, highlights MTN’s ongoing commitment to delivering top-tier connectivity and continuously improving network quality across the country.
The successful deployment of advanced network infrastructure in MTN’s Northern Region focusing on Limpopo, Mpumalanga and parts of North-West, is an excellent example of this commitment. This year, users in the region have benefited from added capacity and improved customer experience. We aim to connect even more areas in 2025. In this way, we are significantly improving connectivity while addressing critical community concerns, so that people in this area can enjoy the benefits of the connected world.
We are happy to report that network availability in the Northern Region has been trending above 99% since the completion of our resilience project. A total of 39 sites were modernised, with 18 new site builds in 2024 as part of MTN’s broader commitment to investing in South Africa’s digital infrastructure and supporting local communities. We also undertook over 130 LTE upgrades in 2024 and are especially proud to have provided connectivity to the villages of Sehlakwane in Limpopo and Lesetlheng in the North-West. Middelburg and Mokopane also benefited from the modernisation programme in 2024.
The initiatives in the province align with MTN’s mission to drive digital inclusion and contribute to the socio-economic development of the regions it serves.
Modernisation has included rolling out 4G and 5G solutions, with more than 200 5G and 1,900 4G sites being connected in the province. Our investment across South Africa underscores MTN’s commitment to enhancing connectivity and addressing pressing issues like lack of access to the digital economy. By deploying our network, we are taking proactive steps to foster a safer, more connected environment, where more people benefit. In total, 12% of the sites in the region are 5G enabled, covering most towns (including, among others, Mokopane, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Witbank, and Tzaneen), while 99% of our sites are 4G/LTE enabled.
Despite the positives, illegal connections, vandalism, and battery theft remain challenging. In our region, we face about eight incidents of battery theft or attempted theft every week.
Criminals have persistently taken advantage of the cover of darkness to carry out their activities, but our collective fightback, supported by our communities, has been resilient. We urge you to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour by calling 083 123 7867 or emailing anonymous@tipoffs.com. Together, we are stronger!
