MTN Group plans to invest more than R480 million ($28.9 million) in network upgrades and expansion projects across South Africa’s Free State and Northern Cape provinces during 2026.
The investment forms part of the company’s broader infrastructure expansion strategy aimed at improving digital connectivity in both urban and rural communities.
MTN Prioritises 4G Reliability and 5G Expansion
According to MTN, the rollout will allocate R300 million to the Free State and more than R180 million to the Northern Cape.
The company said it will focus on improving 4G network reliability while also expanding 5G coverage across both provinces.
Key towns targeted under the expansion plan include Welkom, Bethlehem, Phuthaditjhaba, and QwaQwa in the Free State. Meanwhile, the Northern Cape rollout will cover Kimberley, Upington, Kuruman, and De Aar.
MTN aims to increase 5G availability to 82% in the Free State and 75% in the Northern Cape by 2026.
Rural Communities Remain Central to Rollout Plans
A major part of the infrastructure investment will target rural towns and farming communities where network connectivity remains limited or inconsistent.
The company noted that poor connectivity in these areas often affects access to online education, healthcare services, digital platforms, and business operations.
Therefore, MTN said strengthening digital infrastructure outside major cities remains a strategic priority as demand for mobile data and online services continues to rise across South Africa.
Investment Expected to Support Local Economic Activity
Beyond connectivity improvements, the rollout is also expected to create opportunities for businesses involved in telecom infrastructure deployment and maintenance projects.
Local contractors and service providers participating in network expansion activities could benefit from increased business opportunities linked to the upgrades.
The investment comes as telecommunications operators across South Africa continue expanding broadband and 5G infrastructure to meet rising demand for faster and more reliable mobile services.
MTN Says Expansion Will Improve Digital Inclusion
Commenting on the investment, Isabel Belle, General Manager for Central Region Operations at MTN South Africa, said the company aims to improve inclusion through expanded digital access.
“By extending our 5G footprint and strengthening network infrastructure in these provinces, especially in rural and farming communities, we are enabling greater inclusion and opening access to opportunities that can improve lives and livelihoods,” she said.
