By Emma Okonji
The recent quarterly announcement made by MTN Group shows that out of its 22 operations in Africa and Middle East, MTN Nigeria still maintains the top position in subscriber number rating, with 61.1 million subscribers as at first quarter 2015. MTN Nigeria increased its subscriber base by 2.1 per cent to 61.1 million and maintained highest subscriber market share during the quarter. Data revenue increased by 17.0 per cent year on year and now contributes 19.7 per cent to the total revenue of the entire MTN operations. MTN Group reported 1.8 per cent increase in subscribers to 227.5 million in the first quarter 2015, which ended 31 March across its 22 operations in Africa and Middle East, with a much bigger jump in data revenue.
MTN South Africa recorded low subscriber growth, ending the quarter with 28 million subscribers, the same rounded figure as the previous quarter. However, customers were actually down by 0.1 per cent, with MTN South Africa having lost approximately 35,000 subscribers in the quarter. The post-paid and pre-paid subscriber base declined marginally recording 5.4 million and 22.6 million subscribers respectively. The drop in the number of subscribers of MTN South Africa, has been attributed to seasonal effects, some short-term challenges in the distribution channel, and lower handset sales. Despite this, the operation remained competitive, with increase in total revenue, year on year.
MTN South Africa said it would continue to focus on cost containment initiatives and optimising its operating model. MTN Irancell, MTN Ghana, MTN Cameroon, MTN Uganda and MTN Cote d’Ivoire all saw growth in subscriber numbers and a jump in data revenue. Other MTN operations that experienced drop in subscriber number, aside South Africa, were MTN Sudan and MTN Syria. From the group’s mobile money platform, registered subscribers to the service across the group were up 23.2 per cent to 27.4 million users across fourteen operations.
