MTN Group takes another huge stride to accelerate digital inclusion, as a sign of the Group’s commitment to its “Ambition 2025”.
The group announced the roll out of 100,000 kilometres of terrestrial fibre optic footprints across its market operations in an effort to deliver affordable broadband services to underserved communities.
MTN Group Consumer Executive, Enzo Scarcella, said in a press release that it is part of MTN’s multi-pronged approach to accelerate the digital inclusion of marginalised groups for those in rural areas especially the elderly, women and the youth and bring about broader socioeconomic development.
What MTN Ambition 2025 Is About
The group’s strategic intent is to deliver “Ambition 2025” which is “Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress”, aimed at ensuring that everyone in MTN’s markets can enjoy the benefits of modern connected life through its CHASE roll out broadband coverage.
Enzo Scarcella also said, “Providing a quality broadband network is essential, but not enough: there are various other interventions required to make sure that no-one is left behind. People also need 3G-enabled handsets; affordable data; relevant service offerings; as well as education to equip them with the skills to make the most of all that the mobile internet has to offer.”
He also highlighted the elements of the “CHASE” framework (Coverage, Handsets, Affordability, Service Bundling and Ease of Access) as some of the Group’s achievements, stating that
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“Coverage: To ensure sufficient coverage in rural areas, in 2021 we increased the number of rollout partners and introduced new partnership models, rolling out 912 rural sites. This expanded coverage to more than 23 million people in rural areas, up from 8.5 million in 2020. By the end of 2021, MTN’s total broadband coverage was 83% of the population.
Through MTN Global Connect, we continued to build the infrastructure to connect African countries to each other and the rest of the world. We rolled out more than 15 000km of terrestrial fibre, bringing our total footprint to 100 000km.
Handsets: To increase the affordability of and customer access to data-enabled devices, in 2021 we placed 3.1 million 3G and 4G devices in the hands of our customers. We increased the number of vendors from whom we procure handsets and with whom we have agreements, ensuring that customers can access after-sales service.
We also offered an MTN-approved device that is 20% cheaper than a comparable handset. By partnering with M-KOPA, we supported device financing to customers in Uganda and Ghana. In 2022, we are extending this to Nigeria and Zambia.
Affordability: To increase data service affordability, in 2021 we reduced our effective data tariff by 15.3%. To test affordability in line with United Nations and ECOWAS guidelines, we benchmarked MTN data pricing across operations. We found that 11 MTN markets have data prices that are within the UN’s recommended affordability range.
Service bundling: To create service offerings that are relevant, simple and meaningful to customers, in 2021 we provided different customer groups with different propositions, tailoring our offerings to include microbundles, social media bundles and XtraByte – a service that allows customers to borrow data when they run out. We also introduced YouTube streaming bundles for entry-level users.
Education and ease of access: To enhance digital literacy and the ease with which data can be accessed, in 2021 we trained 24 million people in the 12 markets in which we offer our ‘MTN Data-Smart’ digital literacy programme. This zero-rated programme improves people’s basic understanding of the mobile internet and applications.”
Scarcella added that “CHASE clearly defines the work that we need to do, and helps keep everyone at MTN focused. No one must get left behind, regardless of their location, age or socio-economic standing.”