MTN South Africa has committed R300 million (about $17 million) towards upgrading its network infrastructure across Gauteng, in a strategic move to enhance connectivity in one of the country’s most populous and economically significant provinces.
This investment forms part of a broader R4.5 billion ($251 million) nationwide network expansion scheduled for completion in 2025, with Gauteng positioned as the focal point of the rollout.
The company revealed that over 70 sites in the province will undergo capacity enhancements, modernisation, and energy efficiency upgrades. These improvements will include the deployment of more base stations, expansion of 5G coverage, and enhancement of LTE services, all aimed at narrowing the digital divide between urban and rural communities.
According to MTN’s General Manager for Gauteng Operations, Machawe Dlamini, the upgrades also feature better site security, battery systems, and generator installations to ensure uninterrupted service during power outages.
Beyond Gauteng, MTN is allocating R480 million ($27 million) for similar network improvements in KwaZulu-Natal, where efforts will focus on building new sites and expanding rural access to 4G and 5G services. The telco’s aggressive infrastructure investment drive follows its recognition as South Africa’s best-performing mobile network in Q1 2025 by MyBroadband Insights. With nearly 39.7 million mobile users, MTN remains the country’s second-largest operator, behind Vodacom but ahead of rivals like Telkom and Cell C.
MTN emphasised that the ongoing upgrades are part of its commitment to digital inclusion and national development. Describing the investment as more than a business initiative, Dlamini said it represents a deliberate effort to foster a connected society, especially for communities previously excluded from meaningful internet access. With Gauteng accounting for 34% of the country’s GDP, MTN’s focus on the province underscores its importance in the telco’s broader growth strategy.