MTN is putting R480m into the Free State and Northern Cape network

MTN will spend R480 million this year to increase connectivity in the Free State and the Northern Cape.

The company invests billions of rand in capital expenditure locally each year, mostly to build, update and maintain its network infrastructure across South Africa.

MTN South Africa said R300 million has been allocated to the Free State, while the Northern Cape will receive more than R180 million, as the group “continues to strengthen its network infrastructure and improve access to reliable connectivity for communities in urban centres, agricultural districts and previously underserved rural towns.”

The rollout will prioritize network upgrades in towns and surrounding communities such as Welcome, Bethlehem, Phuthaditjhaba and QwaQwa in the Free State, as well as Kimberley, Upington, Kuruman and De Aar in the Northern Cape.

In recent years, grid operators have seen some of their costs fall, particularly in energy, as load shedding has decreased across the country.

For the six months ending December 2025, the group spent R8.4 billion, compared with R9.4 billion in 2024, on its network in South Africa, including leases. At a group level, MTN has indicated that capital expenditure, excluding leases, for the 2026 financial year will be R39.1 to R48.6 billion, based on revenue growth expectations of “at least high teens” (15%-19%) and an investment intensity of 15%-18%.

In March, MTN South Africa involved to spend almost R22 billion on local capital infrastructure over the next three years, as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s drive to attract investment to the country.

For the year ending March 2026: Rival Vodacom has spent R11.87 billion on its network in South Africa and this is expected to reach R12 billion by the 2027 financial year.

Isabel Belle, general manager for central region operations at MTN South Africa, said: “By expanding our 5G footprint and strengthening network infrastructure in these provinces, especially in rural and farming communities, we are enabling greater inclusivity and opening access to opportunities that can improve lives and livelihoods.”

Belle said rural broadband access remains central to MTN’s ambition to achieve meaningful digital inclusion.

“Our rural broadband strategy is driven by the belief that everyone deserves the chance to participate in the digital economy, no matter where they live. This investment is not just about technology, but creates opportunities for communities, businesses and families,” she said.

MTN said the upgrades for the Free State and Northern Cape are expected to improve 4G reliability and expand 5G access.

In addition to improving network quality for customers, the investment action is good news for local companies providing the work to update towers, cell phone sites and related infrastructure.

“These types of investments not only improve connectivity for consumers, but also create meaningful opportunities for small businesses like ours,” said Stefan Boshoff, MD of Chemnetic, a local network infrastructure service provider under contract to Ericsson, MTN SA’s network partner.

“As local service providers supporting the deployment of network infrastructure, we directly benefit from increased employment, skills development and the opportunity to contribute to the digital growth of our communities.”