MTN will provide Internet access to 5 000 schools over the next eight years, as per the terms of its licence agreements, says MD Maanda Manyatshe.
Speaking yesterday at the MTN Editors` Forum in Durban, he outlined the 1 800 and 3G universal obligations on MTN, which includes providing 125 000 mobile phones and distributing 2.5 million SIM card connection packages, both over the next five years.
Recent unconfirmed reports indicate Manyatshe promised to spend R700 million to expand operations in underserviced rural areas over eight years.
The cellular operator is also mandated to provide Internet access and 10 terminals at each of 140 selected organisations for people with disabilities, over the next three years.
He pointed to the recent significant regulatory changes, including the Electronic Communications Act, the ICASA Amendment Act, the National Credit Act, and the pending RICA Act and introduction of number portability. Manyatshe said the industry is still waiting for the Independent Communications Authority of SA to release its section 27 findings of its mobile pricing enquiry.
"The RICA Act`s effective date for implementation has been postponed indefinitely for operators and government to negotiate an appropriate electronic solution to facilitate the registration process," he told attendees.
He said number portability will cost the industry a combined total of R300 million in the first year, with that number decreasing thereafter.
"We expect increased churn amongst postpaid and business accounts, so competition will increase in this segment."
MTN will host similar Editors` Forum meetings in Cape Town and Durban over the next few days.
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