MTN has grown its overall subscriber base by 4.1 million customers - a quarter-on-quarter gain of 1.8% - as it hits 227.5 million users.
This is revealed in its quarterly update for the period to March, which also notes it still expects to add a total of 17.5 million new customers to its base by the end of December, the bulk of which will come from Nigeria. MTN said it expected to add 4.75 million users in Nigeria, which is its largest operation.
In MTN's commentary, it notes Nigeria reported "satisfactory subscriber growth" of 2.1%, despite a weakening macro-economic environment. Locally, MTN experienced "muted" gains because of delays in engaging a replacement distributor and reduced handset sales.
MTN SA ended the quarter with 28 million subscribers, as the contract and prepaid subscriber base declined marginally. "This was impacted by seasonality, some short-term challenges in the distribution channel and lower handset sales." Total minutes gained 100% year-on-year, but dropped 6.1% quarter-on-quarter.
Overall, revenue gained 24% year-on-year, while data revenue improved 16.7% in the same period and now accounts for 20.8% of overall income. Specific figures were not provided.
Group president and CEO Sifiso Dabengwa notes the cellular company's results for the quarter were impacted by a weaker macro-economic environment following a drop in the price of oil in 2014 and continued price competition.
"MTN Nigeria improved subscriber growth trends, although revenue and minutes growth remains a challenge. While South African operation's subscriber growth was impacted by seasonality and some operational challenges, revenue growth was encouraging."
Dabengwa says MTN continues to focus on non-voice services, which remain a key revenue driver.
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