South African network operator, Mobile Telephone Networks (MTN), is set to invest more than R2 billion (US$300m) on Cameroon`s first GSM 900 cellular network, over the next five years.
The acquisition of Camtel Mobile, previously 100% state-owned, is part of government`s privatisation programme. The Government of Cameroon announced on 31 January, "following the evaluation of tenders received, MTN has been designated provisional successful tenderer". The next stage is for the Government of Cameroon and MTN to negotiate the final terms of the licence. MTN will hold 70% of Camtel Mobile with Cameroonian partners, Broadband Limited, owning the remaining 30%.
Ross Macdonald, Group Executive, MTN International Business Development, estimates that the Cameroon mobile market will grow to around 1,1 million subscribers over the next ten years. "There is a massive demand for cellular in Cameroon. We plan to increase the current subscriber base of 4 800 to 50 000 during our first year of operation and believe that, by providing the right mix of quality products, coverage, service and price, we will be able to increase that substantially."
MTN aims to launch a full commercial service, including prepaid and contract, by the end of June this year. Both the prepaid and contract services will include voice and data capabilities as well as MTN value-added features: voicemail; call waiting and forwarding; call barring; itemised billing and international roaming.
MTN`s extensive international operations and marketing experience will enable the company to provide the people of Cameroon with a highly advanced service that does not compromise on either quality or choice.
"Our strategy is simple, we want to become Africa`s choice in cellular telephony. We have the ability to transfer our experience and knowledge to the local markets in which we operate, we make it our goal to understand the needs of the country and, more specifically, its people and are committed to Africa`s dream of becoming a unified continent," continues Macdonald.
The acquisition of Camtel Mobile is the first step towards the formation of a West African hub. MTN is currently pursuing a licence opportunity in Nigeria.
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