Despite a 41.4% surge in data revenue - to R20.7 billion - in the year to December, MTN wants to see uptake of the offering accelerate and is pushing lower cost smartphones in a bid to encourage use of data networks.
However, the operator warns that in SA, the lack of available spectrum will have an adverse impact on its ability to increase data speeds and continue providing mobile services.
Although a draft spectrum policy has been developed, this is set to be aligned with the broadband policy. As a result, operators are still waiting for the Independent Communications Authority of SA to release much-wanted spectrum in the 2.6GHz and 800MHz ranges, both of which are ideal for the faster long-term evolution technology.
During the year, MTN grew its subscriber base 9.8%, to 207.8 million, across operations in 22 countries, as it invested R30.2 billion to continue adding capacity and speed gains through more base stations and fibre.
However, its top line is still under pressure and only grew 3.1%, on a constant currency or organic basis, to hit R136.5 million. Taking in the benefits of foreign exchange conversions, caused by the rand's slump against other major currencies, revenue would have improved 12%.
MTN says in its results commentary that its capital investment during 2013, which aided quality and capacity, "will be key factors supporting continued growth over the medium-term". It is also exploring options to expand its offerings beyond its traditional voice market.
During the year, it earned R87.7 billion from outgoing voice calls, an organic 2.4% gain, while incoming voice calls dropped 12.9% on a constant currency basis to R15.4 billion. Data, which now accounts for around a sixth of its income, gained 32.6% on a constant currency basis.
Although voice still accounts for the bulk of its income - at around two-thirds - MTN wants to push data uptake. Addressing a media roundtable after the results presentation this morning, group CEO Sifiso Dabengwa said MTN is strongly focused on pushing devices that are data-enabled.
Dabengwa said he would "like to see data growth faster than where it is".
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