MTN Supports Rural Limpopo & Mpumalanga, South Africa With $56.4-Million Funds

MTN SA has announced an increase in investments to modernize current network infrastructure and deploy new network infrastructure in Limpopo and Mpumalanga, South Africa.

The initiative, according to the firm, will benefit ultra-rural areas like Mtititi and Ga Marishane the most.

MTN’s “Modernisation of Network South Africa project” (MONZA), as well as improved rural reach, 5G expansion, and restoration of vandalized network equipment, will benefit from the $56.4 million investment, according to the telco.

“Our goal is to improve access and provide new digital opportunities to a larger number of individuals across the province.” MTN South Africa’s Kagiso Moncho, GM: Northern Region, states, “Our investment is especially geared at increasing network coverage, enhancing throughputs, and connecting the previously unconnected.”

The MONZA Rollout by MTN South Africa

In the two provinces, the MONZA rollout will comprise the rehabilitation and modernization of 230 sites, as well as the construction of 76 additional sites to supplement the existing 1,850. MTN’s 5G connectivity will be expanded in 2022 with the addition of 58 new sites to the existing 53.

Another key focus of the expansion effort will be rural connectivity, which will aid in the closing of South Africa’s digital access gaps. More than 700 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa are still offline and at risk of being left out of the burgeoning digital economy, according to the GSM Association’s 2021 Mobile Economy report: Sub-Saharan Africa.

“We have big aspirations to bring growth and connectivity to underserved places like Mtititi and Ga Marishane hamlet in Jan Furse,” said the company. With unemployment in South Africa reaching record highs, it’s vital to concentrate on leveraging digital solutions to accelerate recovery, particularly in the hardest-hit areas,” Moncho adds.

“An significant issue is that the pandemic has highlighted the importance of mobile networks, which for many people are their sole source of internet access. “MTN’s efforts are directly aimed at speeding up the recovery and greatly increasing growth and job prospects,” Moncho said.

Criminals and syndicates continue to be a stumbling impediment to growth. MTN has teamed with South African Bidvest Security and put aside an additional $7 million in 2022 to tackle vandalism and battery theft, according to the company.

“Our top priority is to ensure that users receive high-quality service and network stability, but the fight against battery theft and vandalism continues to be a big roadblock.” “While I am glad that our continued efforts to put a stop to these criminal acts are yielding results, all South Africans are urged to be cautious and report any suspicious activity,” Moncho said.

“We have great goals in Limpopo and Mpumalanga this year.” “Every project completed, or every triumph against battery theft achieved, ensures that our clients can move that one step forward and enjoy the enchantment of the modern, linked world,” Moncho finishes.