by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – MTN South Africa is investing R220 million (US$12,2 million) to enhance network quality, expand connectivity and upgrade infrastructure in the Eastern Cape province.
The investment includes the rollout of new base stations, as well as operational enhancements, site modernisations and capacity upgrades on more than 250 existing sites.
Songezo Masiso, General Manager of MTN in the Eastern Cape, said the investment, part of the national rollout to enhance the company’s digital capabilities, will lead to improvements in battery, site security and energy facilities, including the availability of generators.
MTN’s 4G coverage in the province sits at 98 percent while 5G is at 48 percent.
“Our ambition is to improve coverage particularly in rural parts of the province,” Masiso said.
Villages and townships such as Libode, Lusikisiki, Qumbu and Duncan are to experience the improved network quality before the year ends, the official assured.
The province recently experienced severe weather conditions that left many communities particularly in the Mthatha area displaced and grieving the loss of loved ones. These conditions also caused significant damage to network infrastructure.
The Eastern Cape announcement comes on the back of MTN’s announcement of R300 million and R420 million investment in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, respectively.
– CAJ News
