(Ecofin Agency) – The launch of 5G by MTN comes in the year when the telecom operator celebrates 25 years of presence in Benin. The subsidiary of the South African group is the leader in the telecommunications sector in the country, and relies in particular on innovation to remain so.
MTN launched commercial 5G in Benin on Friday, November 22, becoming the 1stis telecom operator to offer this technology in this territory. This launch is part of an innovation strategy adopted by the company.
« We are honored to bring 5G to Benin, a technology that will serve as a catalyst for progress in countless aspects of life and business […] With 5G, we lay the foundation for innovation, economic growth and opportunities that strengthen individuals and communities » commented Uche Ofodile, the general director of MTN Benin.
In 25 years of operations in Benin, MTN has introduced major developments in the telecommunications sector, such as the SMS service in the early 2000s or 3G and 4G in 2012 and 2015 respectively. According to the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Post (ARCEP), the company had 8.4 million active mobile subscriptions as of 2e quarter 2024, or around 50% market share. It also has 6.1 million active mobile Internet subscriptions, out of a total of 11 million.
Diversification and investments for the future
Beyond telecommunications, MTN has also been involved in financial inclusion with the launch of mobile money transfer services in 2010, followed by new features like bill payment and linking bank accounts to SIM cards. MTN Mobile Money, a branch dedicated to these services, captures 86% of the Beninese market according to ARCEP.
To face increased competition since the arrival in 2022 of a new operator, MTN Benin also announced in January 2024 an investment plan of 215 million USD over three 3. The program aims to modernize infrastructure, expand the network and support the development of 5G.
Remember that if MTN is the first to move to the 5G commercialization phase, the other 2 operators are carrying out tests and should also make the service available to their subscribers. Moov Africa Benin announced in October the upcoming launch of commercial 5G in the country. The Maroc Telecom subsidiary has 3.3 million active mobile Internet subscribers, compared to 1.6 million subscribers for Celtiis, the operator 100% owned by the Beninese state and whose activities began there 2 years.
Emiliano Tossou
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23/11/2024 – MTN becomes the first operator to launch commercial 5G in Benin
