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MTN to improve 3G in South Africa
10 November 2011
Mobile operator plans to spend $1bn on more than 3,000 new 3G base stations in South Africa
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MTN is planning to invest approximately $1 billion to expand the number of 3G base stations to offer faster data transmission in South Africa. The company hopes to install improved technology in 2012 if the government approves a permit.
According to Bloomberg, Lambo Kanagaratnam, chief technology officer at MTN South Africa, said: “Within the next two years we will more than double the 3G base stations in the country.” He added that MTN will focus its investment in rural regions. MTN already has around 3,000 3G wireless base stations in the nation.
The operator also plans to launch LTE technology in regions where there is a lot of demand for data. It is hoping that the government agrees to award LTE permits by June 2012.
Kanagaratnam said: “We’re currently conducting a pilot study on the technology, which is newer and better than 3G. We are seeing a lot of demand for data services as more people are able to afford smartphones and use them to download data.”
MTN CEO Sifiso Dabengwa had previously said that his company hopes to double revenue from data services over the next four years as it currently does not see major acquisition prospects. The firm looks to spend $2.8 billion to improve infrastructure in 22 African and Middle East units over the coming four years. GTB
Further reading:
Africa's MTN prepares for $50 smartphone 19 Oct 2011
MTN 'bids for Vodacom in DR Congo' 18 Oct 2011
MTN Nigeria to invest $1bn in upgrade 11 Aug 2011