Telecom Operators

MTN Group reported a resilient performance in the first half of 2022, balancing an accelerated investment into its networks, reducing the cost of communication and delivering solid financial results.

MTN Nigeria Communications Plc (MTN Nigeria) announced its unaudited results for the half-year ended 30 June 2022. Mobile subscribers increased by 7.6 million to 74.1 million, reflecting a pleasing acceleration in the run-rate of monthly net additions during Q2. Active data subscribers increased by 13.2% to 36.8 million supported by the data growth initiatives. As for fintech, subscribers rose by 87.3% to 11.5 million, and service revenue was up by 19.9% to N947.9 billion. Additionally, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) grew by 22.1% to N509.3 billion.

Accessing high-speed fiber at home is increasingly becoming a way of life for many South Africans.

French telecom giant Orange, which reported flat first-half revenues of €21.3 billion, confirmed its targets for the current fiscal year ahead of the presentation of its new strategic plan in February 2023.

Vodacom and Microsoft South Africa recently collaborated to train twenty interns on the importance of cybersecurity. Vodacom is keen to play an integral role in addressing cyber skills scarcity in South Africa, with cybersecurity a significant threat for governments, businesses and individuals around the world.

After a closer analysis of the huge potential of the Nigerian telecom market, international telecom investor-operator, Orange Group, has vowed to play a big part in Africa’s biggest service space, in diversified areas including mobile, data, fixed and financial technology support services.

Nokia has announced partnership with Orange Egypt to support its subscriber growth over the next five years. Nokia’s 3GPP-compliant SDM solution includes Nokia Registers – Home Subscriber Server, Home Location Register and One-NDS (Network Directory Server), plus 5G’s Unified Data Management and Authorization Server Function. Together the components will allow Orange Egypt to better manage subscriber data across different technology networks. 

Airtel Africa PLC announced the acquisition of 60 megahertz of spectrum in the 2600 MHz band in Kenya, with the overall investment of US$40 million for a 15-year license. The newly acquired spectrum will allow the operator to expand its 4G mobile network capacity in Kenya, including mobile data and fixed wireless home broadband, and soon roll out 5G as well.

MTN Rwandacell Plc (MTN Rwanda) announced its unaudited results for the half-year ended 30 June 2022. Mobile subscribers increased by 1.7% year-on-year (YoY) to 6.6 million. Active data subscribers increased by 23.9% YoY to 2.2 million, supported by the data growth initiatives. Fintech revenue maintained strong YoY growth of 52.4%, which was attributable to both Xtratime service and MoMo. Also, service revenue was up by 21.5% to Rwf 105.1 billion.

For the purpose of extending the coverage of its telecom network in Nigeria, MTN Nigeria Communications PLC plans to issue a 200-billion-naira bond. In that regard, the company filed a request with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).