📶 MTN South Africa Launches Affordable 4G Smartphones to Bridge Digital Divide
MTN South Africa has initiated a significant campaign to promote 4G adoption by offering 1.2 million prepaid customers low-cost smartphones starting at 99 rand (approximately $5.42). This initiative aims to support digital inclusion, particularly for low-income households, as the country prepares to phase out 2G and 3G networks by December 31, 2027.
The rollout will occur in three phases through the end of 2026. Initially, 5,000 customers in Gauteng province will receive the Itel 5.5-inch smartphone. The second phase will extend to 130,000 customers nationwide, followed by over 1.1 million customers in the final phase. The smartphones, typically priced between 800 and 1,100 rand, will be offered at a subsidized rate, with MTN incurring operational costs of 150–190 rand per unit.
This effort addresses concerns that shutting down legacy networks could exacerbate the digital divide for low-income and remote populations unable to afford advanced devices. MTN aims to maintain customer engagement and mitigate revenue loss by facilitating access to modern mobile technology.
CEO Charles Molapisi emphasized MTN's commitment to inclusive digital access during the national tech transition, stating, "At MTN, we are committed to going the extra mile to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital era."
Summary:
MTN South Africa's initiative to distribute affordable 4G smartphones is a strategic move to ensure digital inclusivity as the nation transitions away from older network technologies. By targeting low-income households, MTN not only fosters connectivity but also positions itself to retain and grow its customer base in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Resource: Reuters
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MTN South Africa has initiated a significant campaign to promote 4G adoption by offering 1.2 million prepaid customers low-cost smartphones starting at 99 rand (approximately $5.42). This initiative aims to support digital inclusion, particularly for low-income households, as the country prepares to phase out 2G and 3G networks by December 31, 2027.
The rollout will occur in three phases through the end of 2026. Initially, 5,000 customers in Gauteng province will receive the Itel 5.5-inch smartphone. The second phase will extend to 130,000 customers nationwide, followed by over 1.1 million customers in the final phase. The smartphones, typically priced between 800 and 1,100 rand, will be offered at a subsidized rate, with MTN incurring operational costs of 150–190 rand per unit.
This effort addresses concerns that shutting down legacy networks could exacerbate the digital divide for low-income and remote populations unable to afford advanced devices. MTN aims to maintain customer engagement and mitigate revenue loss by facilitating access to modern mobile technology.
CEO Charles Molapisi emphasized MTN's commitment to inclusive digital access during the national tech transition, stating, "At MTN, we are committed to going the extra mile to ensure that no one is left behind in the digital era."
Summary:
MTN South Africa's initiative to distribute affordable 4G smartphones is a strategic move to ensure digital inclusivity as the nation transitions away from older network technologies. By targeting low-income households, MTN not only fosters connectivity but also positions itself to retain and grow its customer base in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Resource: Reuters
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Chapter 1: Loomings.
Call me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen and regulating the circulation. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people's hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. This is my substitute for pistol and ball. With a philosophical flourish Cato throws himself upon his sword; I quietly take to the ship. There is nothing surprising in this. If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.
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