To bridge the digital divide, MTN South Africa has launched a campaign to provide over one million low-income prepaid users with 4G smartphones at a heavily subsidised cost of R99 ($5.42). This initiative aligns with the country’s plan to completely shut down 2G and 3G networks by December 31, 2027. With nearly 30 million prepaid users, MTN is proactively shifting users to newer technology to avoid losing its customer base due to affordability barriers.
The rollout will occur in phases, beginning in Gauteng, where 5,000 users—selected based on usage patterns, spending habits, and loyalty—will receive the first batch of smartphones. The project will then scale nationally, reaching an additional 130,000 users before extending to more than 1.1 million South Africans by the end of 2026. The initial devices distributed will be Itel phones with 5.5-inch screens, and future batches will include models worth between R800 and R1,100, despite being sold for just R99.
MTN is absorbing the operational costs, estimated between R150 and R190 per device, which cover delivery, customer support, marketing, and incentives. According to MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi, the company is taking deliberate steps to ensure no one is left behind during South Africa’s digital transition to 4G and 5G. “We are committed to going the extra mile to connect as many South Africans as possible,” Molapisi said.
While the South African government initially planned to retire legacy networks sooner, concerns over access, particularly in rural areas, led to a postponed deadline. Telecom operators like MTN, Vodacom, and Telkom support the shift to faster networks but urge a responsible transition due to the continued reliance on 2G and 3G by individuals and businesses alike. MTN’s initiative offers a rare, inclusive solution that not only keeps people connected but also mitigates the risk of deepening the digital divide.