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MTN positioned for global growth

By MTN Network Solutions
Johannesburg, 11 May 2006

MTN Network Solutions (MTN NS) has struck up a strategic alliance with a global leader in enabling assured communications over a single IP network. MTN NS has chosen to expand its core network with Juniper Networks routing platforms.

MTN NS Chief Executive Mike Brierley says: "Since MTN acquired 100% of Network Solutions, our brief is clear that we must provide world-class broadband and Internet services. This necessitates a very large-scale expansion of the core network. This Juniper deployment will position MTN NS for the expected surge in demand for broadband, Internet and voice over IP services in local and international markets."

MTN NS is one of South Africa`s leading first tier Internet service providers. Additionally, its Multi Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) network also offers customers end-to-end solutions in the dynamic enterprise environment.

"We are confident that Juniper will advance the evolution of MTN`s international backbone with a routing portfolio that combines best-in-class IP/MPLS stability, security and service richness."

"The deployment of Juniper Networks technology will enhance MTN`s ability to offer corporate customers integrated communication solutions, from secure Internet access to VOIP on their virtual private networks (VPN)," Brierley says.

MTN NS expects the rate of traffic, for broadband and Internet services alone, to more than double in the current year. Voice traffic is also expected to increase as voice over IP (VOIP) becomes more ubiquitous.

Garth Braithwaite, Country Manager, Juniper Networks in SA, says: "Juniper Networks technology will offer MTN NS corporate customers considerable investment protection, a stable and flexible network and beefed up capacity in a carrier-class IP environment."

"The scaling up of the MTN NS core network is under way. Juniper`s multi-service edge routing platforms will enable MTN NS to consolidate multiple services onto a single IP/MPLS infrastructure, while simultaneously generating new revenues with leading-edge services," says Braithwaite.

This is the first deployment of the massive M320 router platform in the Africa continent.

"Our platforms will offer the MTN NS Network considerable stability and reliability in a 24x7 environment. Juniper Networks will enable MTN NS to offer its customers differentiated services and reduced total cost of ownership," Braithwaite says.

MTN NS has recently completed a full upgrade of its London (point of presence) POP infrastructure and also commissioned a full POP in New York both on Juniper equipment. The POP provides alternative routing from Sisembra in Portugal and enables IP-VPN services to terminate directly in the United States.

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The MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications group, operating in Africa and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Limited under the share code: "MTN". As at 31 December 2005, the MTN Group recorded more than 23 million subscribers across its operations in Africa. MTN operates in 10 African countries - Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d`Ivoire, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Uganda and Zambia. In 2005, the MTN Group successfully purchased a 49% shareholding in IranCell of Iran.

Furthermore, in May 2006, the MTN Group announced it had reached an agreement to acquire Dubai- and London-listed Investcom. The transaction will make the group one of the world`s largest emerging market players in telecommunications and the leader in Africa and the Middle East, operating mobile networks in 21 countries, covering a population under licence on a combined basis of approximately 488 million people and serving in excess of 28 million subscribers.

For more information, please visit www.mtn.co.za.

Juniper Networks

Juniper Networks is the leader in enabling secure and assured communications over a single IP network. The company`s purpose-built, high performance IP platforms enable customers to support many different services and applications at scale. Service providers, enterprises, governments and research and education institutions worldwide rely on Juniper Networks to deliver products for building networks that are tailored to the specific needs of their users, services and applications. Juniper Networks` portfolio of proven networking and security solutions supports the complex scale, security and performance requirements of the world`s most demanding networks. Additional information can be found at www.juniper.net.

Editorial contacts

Ravin Maharaj
MTN Network Solutions
(083) 200 5264
mahara_r@mtn.co.za