Telecommunications Company, MTN, Pumps R300 Million into Enhancing its Gauteng Infrastructure
MTN South Africa Boosts Network Infrastructure in Gauteng
MTN South Africa has announced a significant investment of R300 million to upgrade its network infrastructure across Gauteng, as part of a larger R4.5 billion nationwide rollout scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 [1][2][3][4].
Improvements and Timeline
The upgrades, including the rollout of 5G and LTE improvements, are set to be completed by the end of 2025. The improvements will involve the acquisition and construction of new base stations, capacity upgrades at over 70 network sites, enhanced battery systems, site security, and energy infrastructure, including the deployment of generators to improve network resilience. Additionally, the upgrades will introduce 5G capabilities alongside improved LTE performance and network hardening measures to withstand load shedding and service interruptions [1][2][3][4].
Impact on Communities
The investment aims to benefit both urban and rural areas within Gauteng, including densely populated townships and peri-urban zones that previously received less coverage. This will enable wider access to online educational, health, and business services, helping bridge the digital divide. The upgrades will support more people, businesses, and communities across Gauteng with high-speed digital connectivity, fostering socio-economic growth [1][2][3][4].
Alignment with MTN’s Ambition 2025 Strategy
The network upgrade aligns with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy, which focuses on building sustainable digital platforms to drive growth and digital inclusion across South Africa [1][3].
Additional Investment in KwaZulu-Natal
MTN has also committed an additional R480 million (over $27 million) for network infrastructure upgrades in KwaZulu-Natal, although the specific details of these upgrades have not been disclosed [1].
Recognition and Importance
The MyBroadband Insights Network Quality Q2 2025 report recognized MTN South Africa as the country's best mobile network for Q1 2025. Machawe Dlamini, General Manager for Gauteng Operations at MTN SA, emphasized that investing in network infrastructure is vital to bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion throughout South Africa [1].
[1] https://www.mtn.co.za/newsroom/press-releases/mtn-south-africa-invests-r300-million-to-upgrade-its-network-infrastructure-across-gauteng [2] https://www.itweb.co.za/content/Xmj3LqmRdLbJZJw [3] https://www.mybroadband.co.za/news/cellular/444644-mtn-south-africa-launches-new-5g-network-in-gauteng.html [4] https://www.itweb.co.za/content/gM4570gqRrWJTqd
- The network upgrades by MTN South Africa, as part of their Ambition 2025 strategy, not only involve the deployment of 5G and LTE improvements but also aim to foster digital inclusion by enabling wider access to online educational, health, and business services, thereby bridging the digital divide in both urban and rural areas of Gauteng, leading to socio-economic growth.
- The investment in Gauteng's network infrastructure by MTN South Africa, comprising base station acquisitions, network site capacity upgrades, improved energy infrastructure, and 5G capabilities, will not only benefit local businesses but also facilitate the integration of finance technology, further promoting digital inclusion and bolstering the economic growth of the region.
