Telecommunications group MTN South Africa is investing R220-million to enhance network quality, performance and resilience, expand connectivity, particularly in rural areas, and upgrade infrastructure in the Eastern Cape.

This includes the deployment of new base stations, as well as operational enhancements, site modernisations and capacity upgrades on more than 250 existing sites.

“The R220-million investment, part of the national rollout to enhance the company’s digital capabilities, will lead to improvements in battery, site security and energy facilities, including the availability of generators,” says MTN Eastern Cape GM Songezo Masiso.

This will lead to improved coverage and increased network capacity, aimed at ensuring that more people, businesses and communities across the province have access to reliable, high-speed digital services, regardless of whether they reside in urban or rural areas.

“MTN’s 4G coverage in the province sits at 98% while 5G is at 48% – our ambition is to improve coverage particularly in rural parts of the province. Villages and townships such as Libode, Lusikisiki, Qumbu and Duncan will witness the improved network quality before the year ends,” Masiso continued.

The company’s immediate priority is restoring services in the affected areas in the province which recently experienced severe weather conditions, leaving many communities, particularly in the Mthatha area, displaced and grieving the loss of loved ones, and causing significant damage to MTN’s network infrastructure.

“The enhancements to our network and increased accessibility to digital services are crucial aspects of our Ambition 2025 strategy, which focuses on creating the largest and most valuable platforms to drive sustainable growth.

“Our investment in the network infrastructure of the Eastern Cape is a crucial facilitator in connecting the unconnected and fostering a more inclusive digital landscape across South Africa,” concluded Masiso.

MTN South Africa is also investing R300-million in Gauteng and R420-million in KwaZulu-Natal.