Africa's largest cellular network MTN added five million subscribers to its base in the three months to September, with Nigeria boosting regional growth.
The company says its total subscriber base grew 5%, to 108 million, and countries where it has a low penetration grew the quickest.
Nigeria, in the West and Central African region, grew subscribers to 28 million, mostly due to MTN continuing to roll out its network, and the company's “innovative” product offerings. The cellular giant adds that the implementation of its distribution channels earlier this year is starting to pay off as the new channel is more effective.
MTN says the region increased its subscriber base by 5%, which was due to good growth in Nigeria, which accounts for 58% of the region's subscribers. The region constitutes 46% of MTN's subscriber base.
Small base
Subscribers in Liberia grew 18.6%, but this was off a low base as the country only contributes 2% to the West and Central African region. Congo Brazzaville, in the same region, grew 10.1%. But this country also only contributes 2% to the region.
Ghana maintained its market share and increased its subscriber base 2.6%, despite aggressive competitor activity. Cameroon increased its subscriber base 4%, to 4.2 million, while Cote d'Ivoire increased its numbers by 5%, also to 4.2 million customers.
Growth in the Middle East and North Africa was 9%, as Iran continued to add subscriber numbers. The region contributes 31% of all of MTN's subscribers.
Iran contributes 62% to the region's subscribers and grew its base 9%, to 20.7 million, a 1.5 million gain. Iran's growth was thanks to expanded network coverage and continued promotional activity, says the cellular company.
Syria increased its subscriber base 13%, to four million, which was above expectations, while MTN in Afghanistan, although a relatively small operation, is now the market leader. It held the number three spot at the beginning of the year.
Slower growth
The South and East African region was hampered by a loss of subscribers in SA, the largest contributor to the area.
MTN says this is due to the new Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act, which requires that people register SIM cards.
The region only gained 0.5% in subscriber numbers, with Rwanda growing 19.8%, to 1.7 million subscribers.
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