MTN subscriber base grows by 9 percent

Against the backdrop of increased infrastructure development and network upgrades, mobile operator MTN has announced a 9 percent increase in subscribers across its 21 operations in Africa and the Middle East.

MTN's subscriber base had risen to 80.7 million as of Sept. 30 from 74.1 million subscribers recorded at June 30.

"We are satisfied with the subscriber growth across our operations, and as competition increases, MTN continues to explore growth opportunities," said MTN President and CEO Phuthuma Nhleko.

The company has attributed growth in some countries to its aggressive network roll out and improved quality of service.

The South an East Africa regions contributed 28 percent of the group's total subscribers, while West and Central Africa contributed 44 percent, according to Nhleko. The Middle East and North Africa contributed 28 percent, he added.

Postpaid net connections were satisfactory for the third quarter, Nhleko said Friday, while prepaid growth was underpinned by the MTN Zone value proposition, which had been enhanced to include off-network calls.

The growth led MTN to announce that it will continue to focus on infrastructure roll out and maximize its potential in mobile communication.