MTN has signed a non-binding preliminary agreement to invest approximately R540 million into Iranian fixed broadband provider, Iranian Net, for a 49% stake.
In a statement, the group says it also plans further investments of approximately R3.4 billion in both equity and loans to facilitate Iranian Net meeting its rollout targets over the next five years.
The preliminary agreement remains subject to finalising suitable transaction agreements. Iranian Net has a national licence for the construction and operation of an optical data transmission network and fibre optic access network across Iran, says the mobile operator.
"This investment, should it be completed, represents an opportunity to capitalise on the continued strong growth expected in the Iranian broadband market, with an initial focus on eight of the main cities."
Earlier this year, MTN upped its investment in Iranian e-commerce business, the Iran Internet Group.
MTN operates in 22 countries in Africa and the Middle East with almost 237 million subscribers across its operations - Iran is its second biggest market when looking at subscriber numbers, behind Nigeria.
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