MTN's $9.1 million network push takes South Africa's 5G race beyond metros

As I walked through the bustling streets of Mahikeng, a small town in South Africa's North West province, I couldn't help but notice the vibrant market stalls and the hum of activity. But beneath the surface, the town's residents face a stark reality: uneven network quality that hinders their access to high-speed mobile broadband. This is a problem MTN South Africa, the telecoms giant, is determined to address with a R150 million ($9.1 million) investment in 2026. The investment, announced by MTN's deputy chief executive officer, Yolanda Cuba, will upgrade more than 1,000 network sites, expand 4G and 5G coverage, and deploy new towers in towns including Mahikeng, Klerksdorp, and Taung.

The announcement marks a significant shift in the 5G race in South Africa. For too long, the focus has been on metropolitan areas like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. But as smartphone adoption rises, enterprises digitise operations, and public services move online, operators are under pressure to improve coverage in underserved regions where millions of potential customers remain. "The next phase of competition is less about who launches 5G first and more about who delivers reliable, high-capacity connectivity where it has historically been limited," said Cuba.

MTN's investment is part of a broader industry trend to expand 4G and 5G coverage beyond metropolitan areas. The company's strategy mirrors the approach taken by other major operators, including Vodacom, Telkom, and Rain. While R150 million may seem like a significant investment for a single province, it raises a broader question: how much infrastructure investment is required to meaningfully close South Africa's rural connectivity gap? Cuba noted that the funding will improve network capacity across more than 1,000 existing sites while adding new towers in selected locations. This suggests that much of the investment will be directed towards upgrading existing infrastructure rather than building entirely new networks, a faster and more cost-effective approach as operators seek to improve customer experience while controlling capital expenditure.

Cuba highlighted the importance of strong partnerships between the public and private sectors in driving inclusive growth and ensuring that the benefits of the digital economy reach every community. "This will improve customer experience, increase 4G and 5G coverage, and ensure that communities, businesses, and public institutions have access to world-class digital connectivity," she stated. The strategy is evidence of the recognition that the digital economy is not just about technological advancements, but also about creating opportunities for all South Africans.

As I left Mahikeng, I couldn't help but feel a sense of optimism about the future of rural connectivity in South Africa. MTN's investment is a significant step towards bridging the digital divide and ensuring that all South Africans have access to reliable, high-capacity connectivity. As the 5G race continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how other operators respond to the challenge of closing the rural connectivity gap.