Telecommunications company, MTN, allocates R300 million for the modernization of its network infrastructure in the Gauteng region.
MTN South Africa is investing R300 million ($17 million) to enhance its network infrastructure in Gauteng, aiming to improve both 5G and LTE performance by the end of 2025. The upgrade focuses on several key areas, including the construction of new base stations, capacity upgrades at over 70 existing sites, and enhancements to the digital backbone.
The improvements also extend to battery backup, site security, and energy resilience, with the deployment of generators to maintain service continuity during power outages. Additionally, the upgrade aims to expand 5G access coverage and upgrade LTE services, targeting better coverage, improved service quality, and increased capacity in urban and rural areas within the province.
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. Dlamini emphasized that investing in network infrastructure is vital to bridging the digital divide in South Africa.
The upgrade forms part of a larger R4.5 billion ($251 million) nationwide upgrade planned for completion by 2025. MTN has pledged an additional R480 million ($27 million) for a network infrastructure upgrade in KwaZulu-Natal, although the specifics of this upgrade have not been detailed.
The Gauteng investment will be used for upgrading existing infrastructure, adding new base stations, and enhancing over 70 network sites. The completion date for the network infrastructure upgrade in Gauteng is set for the end of 2025.
The goal is to boost coverage and expand capacity for digital services across urban and rural communities in Gauteng, enabling MTN to extend high-speed connectivity to underserved parts of the region, including densely populated townships and outlying peri-urban areas.
Recently, the MyBroadband Insights Network Quality Q2 2025 report recognised MTN South Africa as the country's best mobile network for Q1 2025. This latest upgrade is expected to further solidify MTN's position as a leading provider of mobile connectivity in South Africa.
It is important to note that the network infrastructure upgrade in KwaZulu-Natal does not specifically mention improvements in battery systems, site security, or energy infrastructure, unlike the Gauteng upgrade. Additionally, the upgrade in KwaZulu-Natal does not explicitly mention 5G capabilities or LTE performance enhancements. However, it is part of a broader national effort to improve mobile connectivity across South Africa.
Dlamini's emphasis is on promoting broader digital inclusion throughout South Africa through network infrastructure investment. By improving network performance and expanding coverage, MTN aims to ensure better connectivity for businesses, communities, and individuals, aligning with its Ambition 2025 strategy to bridge the digital divide in Gauteng and beyond.
- MTN's strategic investment of R300 million in Gauteng's digital network infrastructure not only focuses on enhancing 5G and LTE performance but also extends to improving energy resilience, battery backup, and site security.
- In line with the ambition to bridge the digital divide in South Africa, MTN's investment in data-and-cloud-computing technology is designed to expand 5G access coverage and upgrade LTE services, targeting better coverage, improved service quality, and increased capacity in both urban and rural areas within the province.
- As part of the same national effort to improve mobile connectivity, MTN has also pledged an additional R480 million for a network infrastructure upgrade in KwaZulu-Natal, with an emphasis on upgrading existing infrastructure, adding new base stations, and enhancing over 70 network sites, albeit without explicit mentions of battery systems, site security, or energy infrastructure improvements.
