Press Releases

MTN connects consumers with low cost Desktops and affordable data bundles

MTN South Africa and Microsoft have delivered an early Christmas present to South African consumers that previously had limited or no access to technology or internet services with the introduction of specially packaged low cost desktop and data offer.

This offer has been developed specially for consumers in the lower to middle income groups and will provide a one-stop, end-to-end service with access to high speed internet and e-mail via computers fitted with in-built modems and the latest, relevant data and voice technology from MTN, including Edge and GPRS. It is also in keeping with MTN’s focus on supplying mobile telecommunications products and services that truly satisfy the needs of the consumer.

The special low cost desktop offer bundle with MTN’s high-speed data modem is the result from a sales deal signed by MTN with the Edcon Group, Microsoft and Computer Co-operation in July this year. Previously disadvantaged consumers can now gain access to the latest telecommunications technology and access to a wealth of information available in cyberspace. These newly launched desktop computers will be sold at selected Jet and Jet Mart stores in and around the Soweto area at a total package cost of R3999. This promotion is valid until 31 January 2007.

The total package will offer the following:

A low cost cost PC offering
Microsoft Office package
Internet solution to package and distribute
MTN high-speed data modem plus
25 megabytes per month for 4 months FREE – total data package 100 megabytes.

Consumers will be able to purchase this offer by using their JET account, a, Jet Mastercard or cash.

The availability of this low cost and data offer follows on the launch of MTN’s @cess project in Alexandra earlier this year in conjunction with the Global System for Mobile Association (GSMA). Launched in June 2006, the MTN’s @cess pilot project at the Alexandra Resource Centre in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg, aims to provide empowering opportunities within communities for education, enterprise and business development through connectivity to data and business tools such as the internet, e-mail, payphones and fax services.

Ashraff Paruk, General Manager: Business Strategy, MTN South Africa says: “Mobile connectivity has become a key driver of telecommunications growth across the continent, paving the way for increased mobile access through convergence and mobile data and wireless applications. Currently, there is a severe lack of internet penetration in Africa (2.7% vs. the world average of 17%). Mobile operators are therefore optimally positioned to provide the ‘Internet Dial Tone’ for emerging markets, in line with the GSM Association’s initiative to bridge the digital divide through initiatives like their Connecting the Unconnected, since they dominate the communications infrastructure.

“MTN believes that this consumer offer is another one of our ground-breaking MTN projects that illustrates the great potential of mobile networks to provide high-speed Internet access to the many parts of the developing world that lack extensive fixed-line telephone networks. MTN foresees that consumers in the lower income groups will begin connecting to the world online, opening their minds and eyes to opportunities that they could have only dared to imagine. Consumers will now have convenient and affordable access to information and opportunities such as educational and training resources, job creation, employment and life skills, and a gateway to useful and relevant websites, to empower community members.’

MTN is proud to extend access to communities where it operates, and is proud to be associated with the partners who made this offer possible.

The MTN Group operates in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East - Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. These operations have a total subscriber base of over 34 million, excluding MTN Irancell, which launched commercial operations on 21 October 2006.