MTN Uganda Total Subscriber base increases by 8.4% to 9.5 million in the
1st quarter of 2014.
Release date:5/6/2014
Kampala, Uganda- 5th May 2014
As of 31 March 2014, MTN Uganda has registered positive performance for the first quarter ended 31st
March 2014, increasing its subscriber base by 8.4% to 9.5 million, mainly attributed to attractive
bundled offers aimed at both acquisition and retention. Regionally focused sales and distribution
campaigns further supported the performance.
The MTN Group Results recently released in Johannesburg South Africa also shows that Local currency
data revenue increased by 67.7 % and now contributes to 23.5 % of MTN’s revenue. At MTN Group
level, subscriber base has shot up to 210, 1 million subscribers up from 207.8 million subscribers
registered at the year ending 31st December 2013
According to the results, MTN Uganda continued to show good growth and increased market share
despite the high competition in Ugandan market. Increased penetration into rural areas and improved
network quality further supported this growth.
Announcing the quarterly Group update, the MTN Group President and CEO, Sifiso Dabengwa said;
“MTN delivered a satisfactory performance in the 1st during the first quarter of 2014, underpinned by
strong data growth, competitive offerings and improved network quality and coverage. Our operating
environment remains tough with persistent price competition and regulatory challenges in key markets.
Subscriber numbers grew marginally by 1.1% quarter on quarter from December 2013. This was mainly
due to ban on the sale of SIM cards in Nigeria during March, the disconnection of non-revenue
generating subscribers in South Africa and slower subscriber growth in Iran”
He added: “Data and Mobile Money remain key areas of focus for the group as traditional voice revenue
and a 12% increase in Mobile Money subscribers. Cost containment and the execution of our
infrastructure sharing strategy particularly in South Africa continues to make good progress”
MTN’s vision is to lead the delivery of a bold, new Digital World to its customers. As MTN continues to
fulfill this promise it remains committed to continue to improve the lives of Ugandans by consistently
fulfilling our promise to provide consistent service and the best customer experience.
Commenting on the results, MTN Uganda CEO Mazen Mroué expressed satisfaction with the results
saying that MTN Uganda’s focus is "to enhance our infrastructure investment and Customer Experience”.
Regarding the continued growth of MTN Mobile Money, Mroué said, “MTN Mobile Money remains the
fastest growing product in Uganda with more than 5 million
registered users each transacting on average five times a month. The popularity and growth of MTN
Mobile Money supported by a large agent network exceeded 30,000 agents and significantly increased
financial inclusion of the unbanked.
In 2013, MTN Uganda focused largely on the expansion of the data network infrastructure and was the
first in the market to introduce word class internet technologies through the 3G 42Mbps, 4G LTE and
WiFi Hotspots. As of 31st March 2014, MTN Uganda total Data subscribers exceeded 2.6 million.
MTN Uganda launched its Mobile Network operations in 1998, since inception MTN cumulative
investment exceeded UGX 1.7 Trillion. In 2013, the company has injected more than UGX 140 billion in
upgrading the Network infrastructure and adding another 400Km of national fiber, by December 2013,
MTN Uganda Total Fiber infrastructure exceeded 3,200 Km. The continuous investment by MTN in
Uganda has enabled job creation with direct and indirect support for over 560,000 Ugandans.
Mroué hailed the MTN Uganda staff for their contribution and support in achieving these positive results.
“At MTN we recognize our staff as a key asset in enabling this success. As we move into 2014, our focus
will be primarily on providing distinctive Customer Experience as well as ensuring consistent investment
in key infrastructure to support the anticipated continued growth and increased demand for new digital
services” concluded.
-EndsAbout MTN Uganda
Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading communications operator in Uganda, offering Mobile and
Fixed telecommunications, Mobile Money Services and Internet Service Provisioning. As of 31 March
2014, MTN Uganda recorded 9.5 million subscribers across Uganda. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug and for
our football fans www.mtnfootball.com. Customers can also follow us
on www.youtube.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnugandacare for assistance.
About the MTN Group
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22
countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in
South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 31 March 2014, MTN recorded 210.1 million subscribers
across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea
Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South
Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. More info on www.mtn.com
For more information, please contact:
Justina Ntabgoba on +256 (0) 312 121 064 or ntabgoj@mtn.co.ug
Wendy Angu' Deyo on +256 (0) 312 120 762 or angudew@mtn.co.ug