Mobile Network operator, MTN, sets aside R300 million to enhance its Gauteng network infrastructure
MTN South Africa Announces Nationwide Network Upgrade
MTN South Africa has embarked on a significant network upgrade, investing R4.5 billion (around $251 million) in a bid to enhance mobile connectivity across the country. This rollout aims to increase network capacity and coverage, particularly in key provinces like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, as part of a broader national effort to improve mobile connectivity [1].
The upgrade is a strategic move by MTN to improve service quality, increase 4G coverage, and support growing demand for mobile data and digital services. By the end of 2025, MTN expects this investment to bolster network performance across the country, helping to meet rising data traffic and digital financial service needs [1][4].
In Gauteng, the investment will be used for upgrading existing infrastructure, adding new base stations, and enhancing over 70 network sites. Machawe Dlamini, General Manager for Gauteng Operations at MTN SA, stated that the investment will strengthen digital capabilities through enhanced battery systems, site security, and energy infrastructure [2].
The network upgrade in KwaZulu-Natal is also underway, with similar objectives. It aims to boost coverage and expand capacity, ensuring reliable, high-speed digital services for urban and rural communities, similar to the Gauteng upgrade [3]. This infrastructure upgrade will introduce 5G capabilities and enhance LTE performance, further improving the quality of service [5].
The commitment to invest in both provinces follows MTN South Africa's recognition as the country's best mobile network for Q1 2025, according to the MyBroadband Insights Network Quality Q2 2025 report [6]. Dlamini emphasized that investing in network infrastructure is vital to bridging the digital divide and promoting broader digital inclusion throughout South Africa [7].
The network upgrade in KwaZulu-Natal is part of a broader national effort to improve mobile connectivity across South Africa. The completion date for the infrastructure upgrade in both provinces is set for the end of 2025 [8]. This upgrade aligns with MTN’s regional expansion and digital inclusion objectives seen in other African markets, emphasizing the importance of robust network infrastructure in supporting fintech, e-commerce, and mobile internet services [4].
[1] MTN South Africa Announces R4.5 Billion Network Upgrade [2] MTN invests R300 million in Gauteng network infrastructure [3] MTN invests R480 million in KwaZulu-Natal network infrastructure [4] MTN South Africa to spend $251m on network expansion [5] MTN South Africa to expand 5G network in KwaZulu-Natal [6] MyBroadband Insights Network Quality Report Q2 2025 [7] MTN South Africa: Investing in network infrastructure is vital to bridging the digital divide [8] MTN South Africa's network upgrade is part of a broader national effort to improve mobile connectivity
- By investing in network infrastructure in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, MTN South Africa is aiming to support digital inclusion by bridging the digital divide.
- With the network upgrade, the industry can expect improvements in data-and-cloud-computing as the increased capacity will cater to the growing demand for digital financial services and fintech development.
- The expansion of LTE performance and the introduction of 5G capabilities through the network upgrade in both provinces will significantly boost the technology sector in South Africa, particularly e-commerce and mobile internet services.
