Thinta Thinta Telecoms (T3) and MTN have signed an agreement that will see T3 use the MTN network to provide telecommunications services in the Ugu region of KwaZulu-Natal.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Sandton this morning, T3 CEO Bule Mhlongo said the company was one of the operators awarded an underserviced area licence (USAL) as part of the government`s project to eliminate the digital divide and increase efforts to achieve universal telecommunications services in the country.
Mhlongo said T3 will be the first USAL recipient to launch its network in the Ugu District Municipality, providing access to mobile and fixed-line telephony.
"T3 will roll-out in separate phases, with GSM going live in April and broadband later in the year. T3 will deploy its own network infrastructure in the next 36 months as part of its licence obligations."
She said the appropriate forward-thinking and innovative strategies have enabled government to ensure that beyond creating a commercially viable environment for big business, there is scope for involvement by previously disadvantaged communities.
"The T3, MTN signing ceremony signals a proud moment, as it underscores another milestone in the quest to bring previously commercially disenfranchised people to the mainstream economy," said Mhlongo.
"We are proud to be in partnership with T3 to further enhance our commitment to empowerment and contribute to our efforts to broaden universal access," said MTN MD Maanda Manyatshe.
MTN has the capacity to assist T3 through providing access to the MTN network, which covers a geographical area of over 1 million square kilometres, he said. The MTN network covers 100% of the Ugu region.
"The USA [Universal Service Agency], as the regional promoter of access to ICT in SA, views this agreement as equal partners who will work together to serve areas with a low penetration of telecommunications services in the country," said Dr Sam Gulube, USA CEO.
"As we prepare for the official launch of the network and going live, it is imperative that we push our goalposts even further to remain on course to deliver to our shareholders," said Mhlongo.
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