MTN has grown its global subscriber base by 7% in the past three months, notching up 123,6m subscribers at the end of March 2010.
The group, which is in discussions to buy assets of Egypt’s Orascom, says its South and East Africa (Sea) region contributed 22% of total subscribers, West and Central Africa and Middle East and North Africa contributed 46% (46%) and 32% respectively.
The Sea region increased its subscriber base by 4% for the quarter. The SA operation contributes 60% to the region’s subscribers, increasing 2,2% to 16,4m for the quarter ended 31 March.
Positive net additions of 358 000 signal a more normalised growth pattern following the effect of the implementation of cellphone registration legislation in the second half of 2009.
Uganda increased its subscriber base by 8% to 5,6m, despite aggressive competition, the group says.
The West African region increased its subscriber base by 7%. Strong growth in the region was primarily due to growth in Nigeria, which contributes 59% to the region‟s subscribers.
Nigeria recorded an 8% increase in its subscriber base to 33,3m as network quality and the continued success of the distribution framework allowed for a competitive advantage.
Ghana increased its subscriber base by 5% to 8,4m within an increasingly competitive market. “This is due to improved network quality combined with a strong brand position,” MTN says.
Cameroon and Cote d‟Ivoire increased their subscriber bases by 2% and 4% to 4,4m and 4,6m respectively.
The Middle East and North Africa region recorded an 8% increase in subscribers for the quarter. The growth within the region was largely due to the Iran operation, which contributes 64% to the region’s subscribers and increased its subscribers by 9% to 25,4.
“Iran’s continued subscriber growth is due to acquisition promotions that remain compelling,” MTN says. — Staff reporter, TechCentral
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