MTN South Africa has announced plans to invest more than ZAR 480 million in network upgrades and expansion initiatives across the Free State and Northern Cape in 2026, reinforcing its commitment to improving connectivity in both urban centers and rural communities.
The investment includes ZAR 300 million allocated to the Free State and over ZAR 180 million dedicated to the Northern Cape as part of MTN’s broader national infrastructure development strategy.
The rollout will focus on strengthening network capacity and expanding coverage in key locations across both provinces. In the Free State, priority areas include Welkom, Bethlehem, Phuthaditjhaba, and QwaQwa, while planned upgrades in the Northern Cape will target Kimberley, Upington, Kuruman, and De Aar.
According to MTN, the infrastructure program will primarily enhance 4G network reliability while accelerating the rollout of 5G services. The operator aims to increase 5G population coverage to 82% in the Free State and 75% in the Northern Cape by 2026, alongside improving the resilience and quality of its existing 4G infrastructure.
The investment forms part of MTN’s wider efforts to modernize network infrastructure across South Africa in response to rising demand for high-speed connectivity and digital services.
A key focus of the expansion strategy is improving network access in rural towns and farming communities, where reliable coverage remains limited in many areas. Connectivity gaps in these regions continue to impact access to essential digital services, including online learning platforms, healthcare applications, e-government services, and digital business tools.
MTN noted that expanding network infrastructure in underserved areas remains a strategic priority as digital adoption continues to accelerate beyond major metropolitan markets.
Beyond improving connectivity, the investment is also expected to generate economic opportunities linked to network deployment and infrastructure development. Local contractors, service providers, and businesses involved in telecom infrastructure projects may benefit from increased activity as rollout plans progress across the two provinces.
The announcement comes as telecom operators across South Africa continue investing in infrastructure upgrades to meet growing demand for mobile data, stronger network performance, and broader digital inclusion.
Commenting on the initiative, Isabel Belle, General Manager for Central Region Operations at MTN South Africa, said:
By extending our 5G footprint and strengthening network infrastructure in these provinces, especially in rural and farming communities, we are enabling greater inclusion and opening access to opportunities that can improve lives and livelihoods.
