South Africa’s second biggest mobile operator MTN has entered the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) business, a space where Cell C has been playing over the years.
In a statement today, the company says the launch of a MVNO service brings the digital world closer for more people and communities.
It adds that with its extensive national network that covers rural areas, MTN offers MVNO partners “a high-quality network experience and opportunity to deliver innovative solutions that reach even more South Africans”.
Several MVNOs, such as FNB Connect, Mr Price and Virgin Mobile, have been piggybacking on Cell C’s network over the years.
In November last year, Cell C and MTN announced an extended roaming agreement that helps Cell C to broaden its 4G network coverage nationally.
“We expect MVNO subscribers across the country to double over the next five years, with several large players introducing offerings,” says Quintus De Beer, acting executive for managed network services at MTN.
“MTN is excited to be an enabler of this further growth path by putting our network capacity to work, as the rapid pace of digital change requires more agile and tailored solutions so that more people can benefit.”
According to MTN, the new service also opens up an opportunity for the company to explore specific bespoke projects through strategic approved MVNO partnerships.
“Worldwide, people have benefited from the experiences that MVNOs bring to the market and with the unique challenges South Africans face, we see this as an important platform to enable a better life for all,” De Beer adds.
“MVNOs, through various specialised platform providers, offer a wide scope of services and with a best in class network we believe that new MVNO businesses will assist to create job opportunities and secondary markets to contribute to the broader South African economy.
“We believe everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life. By entering the MVNO space, we are growing South Africa’s digital eco-system by enabling more value and services for consumers. This makes business sense, as we are putting the best network to work for more people, in a managed and sensible manner,” concludes De Beer.
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