Offering affordable cellphones to keep South Africa connected

With the advent of mobile telephony, a cellular phone has become a necessity for any household. And owing to the fast pace of transformation in the mobile telephony sector, today's customer is spoilt for choice, with a wide range of mobile devices hitting the market almost on a daily basis.

However, the reality is that not everyone can afford to purchase a cellphone. As a result, cellphone ownership remains a luxury for many South Africans. The good news is that MTN is facilitating access to mobile telephony services for all South Africans through the sale of affordable cellphones.

MTN South Africa's Chief Marketing Officer, Serame Taukobong, says: “As South Africa is a developing country, MTN is sensitive to the fact there are many people who do not have enough disposable income to spend on purchasing phones, but wish to stay connected with their friends and family.”

As a customer-centric cellular network, MTN is now addressing this need by offering South Africans the opportunity to own a cellphone for under R100. Right now, the cheapest prepaid MTN cellphone, the MTN S50S, retails for a mere R79 at PEP stores nationwide. This means that even without the benefit of a contract subsidy, a cellphone can be owned for a fairly small amount. The MTN S50S offers basic voice and data functions.

Taukobong emphasised that MTN remains committed to ensuring that South Africa meets the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (UNMDG). “Mobile telephony is a critical tool in tackling and addressing the challenges facing developing countries and access to this technology is a basic need,” he says.

Silvanus Mabaso: Senior Manager - Corporate Communications, MTN Group, Cell: 083 222 7613 / e-mail: [email protected]