MTN invests more than $ 2.4b in network expansion

MTN Ghana says it has invested more than $2.4 billion in network expansion and systems improvements projects since 2006, in a bid to become the mobile network of choice.

The company, which has nearly 50 per cent market share, said the investments over the years had resulted in increased network capacity, improved data speeds and reduction in overall network congestion.

Speaking at a meeting organised by the Journalists for Business Advocacy, Mrs Cynthia Lumor, Corporate Services Executive, said the company plans to invest a further $103 million in network improvement and expansion in 2015.

She said the move is part of the company’s strategy to render unparalleled innovative and focused services to customers.

Mrs Lumor said MTN’s strategy is to drive sustainable growth while continuing to remain efficient and responsive to the changing needs of the more than 14 million customers of the company.

She said MTN is committed to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to create a distinct experience for its customers.

“Over the medium term, our priorities are driving growth beyond voice, creating a distinct customer experience while ensuring that we optimise costs,” she said.

Mrs Lumor said the company through its operations has created more than 500,000 direct and indirect jobs, including dealers/distributors, retailers, suppliers, partners, recharge card printers, marketing and advertising firms.

The company has also been the best taxpayer, contributing GH?605 million in various taxes to the government in 2014.

Besides, the MTN Foundation has spent about GH?20 million to implement a number of social responsibility programmes and projects in the education, health and economic empowerment sectors, impacting the lives of more than three million people.

Mrs Lumor said MTN would continue to innovate and make critical investment in the network and collaborate with stakeholders to sustain growth and make customers the centre of operations.

She called for a proactive government policy that would ensure the sustainability of the telecommunication industry and make it an integral to the development of the country.

MTN operates in 22 countries and Ghana is fourth largest in the group operations.