FOCUS MTN invests in
FOCUS MTN invests in KwaZulu-Natal Keeping the province connected, even during times of crisis. MTN SA is investing in modernising its existing network and is deploying new network infrastructure across the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The R700-million investment, which is an addition to the R500-million invested in 2021, is going toward MTN’s “Modernisation of Network South Africa project” (MONZA) Matthew Khumalo, as well as expanded rural reach, KZN General Manager 5G expansion and restoration of Regional Operations vandalised network infrastructure. The KZN investment forms part of plans to modernise the entire MTN network, 68% of which has already been completed nationally. An additional 1 350 sites are still to be finalised across South Africa by the end of 2022. The project will increase network coverage and improve throughputs and customer experience in the region. Previously unconnected areas in the province will have a broadband platform for the first time. MTN has over 1 400 active 5G sites across the country. The extension of MTN’s 5G connectivity in KwaZulu-Natal has seen over 100 live 5G sites added and more are planned for 2022. A vital component of the deployment of 5G is the emphasis on previously underserved areas. The company is not only deploying 5G in ultra-urban areas. In recent months, MTN has rolled out 5G in areas such as Chatsworth and uMhlanga. Urban areas such as Pietermaritzburg and Durban central have also received attention. devastating consequences on business operations and in emergencies. MTN urges community members across the country to continue being vigilant and report any incident of vandalism and theft at network towers. In 2020 the company began its optimisation and resilience programme on backup power and security. The programme is aimed at stabilising the network. Some of the actions taken include beefing up security significantly, hiring the private security company Bidvest, installing CCTV and the introduction of cement and steel safehouse carriages. The heavy rains in KwaZulu-Natal caused widespread infrastructure damage and power outages resulting in over 500 MTN sites going down in the region. Due to the serious nature of the outages, MTN activated contingency plans for site restoration. MTN also donated a total of R1-million to the flood-relief efforts. To assist families and friends to keep in touch during this trying time MTN also provided a free SMS bundle, for 50 SMSs valid for three days, to all KwaZulu-Natal customers. We rerouted traffic and put 190 generators at numerous sites to bypass this part of the fibre. This would have impacted over 200 000 customers. MTN also enabled functionality on the mobile payment app, MoMo, which allowed users to donate to the flood-relief efforts. The funds go directly to Gift of the Givers in support of their efforts in the region. ■ Staying connected Network towers keep customers connected. If they don’t work, the network doesn’t work and South Africans will have no network signal. This can have KWAZULU-NATAL BUSINESS 2022/23
MTN – trusted by businesses and government FOCUS Helping students and healthcare workers connect to improve service delivery. As an official mobile provider to SA government, MTN Business has been key in driving several government initiatives. As South Africa’s and Durban’s best network, more businesses and government entities are showing an interest in our services. Through MTN Business, we have been connecting more enterprise clients, particularly government entities, thanks to the National Treasury’s RT15. In 2021, the National Treasury RT15 bid-evaluation committee appointed MTN SA as a service provider to government, through its new mobile communication services contract, known as RT15-2021. The RT15-2021 transversal contract allows for all entities of state to utilise the contract for mobile communication services, which will further assist with cost containment. The scale of the government’s requirements has allowed MTN to develop industry-leading systems and innovative pricing and products that will not only add value to the state but will also significantly improve on existing mobile telecommunications service delivery. This also allows for a high degree of control of spending by the individual entities. Education and health MTN Business’s cost-effective and quality solutions have enabled remote learning for thousands of South African students during the lockdown. MTN Business has also aided state employees to collect revenue quickly and effectively, courtesy of the leading technology provider’s extensive range of digital solutions and connectivity products. On revenue collection, the state is enabled with the necessary technology tools to improve the lives of South Africans through provision of essential services. Another area of importance is strong health services in South Africa and MTN Business has played a key role in assisting this sector. Access to uncapped data is not only available to healthcare workers but is also available to other state departments that sign up with MTN Business. Doing more MTN Business is committed to doing even more to help government improve the lives of South Africans. There are big plans to partner with more state entities and departments to help them improve their operations with cutting-edge and robust digital solutions. This is because South Africans deserve the benefits of a modern connected life and MTN Business is proud to be working with the government to deliver this. 13 KWAZULU-NATAL BUSINESS 2022/23
