MTN SA to invest ZAR12bn in infrastructure in 2016

MTN South Africa is planning to spend ZAR12 billion (USD771 million) in order to improve and expand coverage in 2016, up from ZAR8 billion previously earmarked for network upgrades, the Business Day reports. MTN SA CEO Mteto Nyati said that his company experienced a ‘tough year’, but instead of scaling down, it would increase investment in order to make sure MTN has ‘the right infrastructure that [it] can leverage for growth.’ The company is aiming to connect up to 20,000 homes and businesses with its fibre network by the end of this year. Going forward, the company will add an additional 30,000 premises to its footprint, once a deal with MultiChoice to acquire its wholly-owned subsidiary Smart Village, which provides fibre-optic access in gated communities, is approved by the relevant authorities.