MTN Group revenue up by 12% in 2013

 ... MTN Ghana recorded revenue increased of 13%

By: Fred Yaw Sarpong

MTN Group has announced increase of 12% in revenue growth for the period of 2013. This is about R136,495 million. However, the group recorded a subscriber base increase of 9.8% to 207.8 million.

Announcing the results via operating countries, the group stated that, “efficient execution of our extensive capital expenditure (CAPEX) programme significantly improved network quality and capacity, and facilitated higher voice and data traffic. This investment in capacity will also ensure that MTN remains competitive and is able to roll out solutions beyond traditional voice services.”

For the year ended 31 December 2013, MTN Ghana recorded growth of 13% increase in revenues and 10.2% increase in subscribers.

MTN Ghana ended 2013 with 12.9 million subscribers, of which 4.9 million were data subscribers, reflecting a 20.9% growth in data users.

Like other operating companies in the Group, MTN Ghana’s positive performance was driven by increased regional segmentation, acquisition and retention campaigns, improved network quality and capacity resulting from extensive network investments and a focus on MTN Mobile Money.

In 2013, MTN Ghana commenced major network expansion and modernization projects to upgrade and expand existing network infrastructure. In 2013 alone, a total of GHc274.3 million was invested in network and systems improvements which resulted in increased network capacity, expanded 2G and 3G footprint, improved data speeds and reduction in overall network congestion.

MTN currently has the widest 2G coverage across the length and breadth of Ghana and the widest 3G coverage in 170 districts across the country, having invested GHc1.69 billion in the network since its entry into Ghana in 2006.

As a result of these improvements, MTN Ghana subscribers are able to access the internet faster on their phones and on other devices; access online games and TV services; perform multiple services including voice, video calls, streaming and browsing while experiencing excellent quality.

The company plans to invest a further GHc311 million in network improvement and expansion in Ghana in 2014.

Commenting on MTN Group results, Group President Sifiso Dagbenwa said, “MTN is focused on delivering a distinct customer experience by improving network quality and capacity as well as providing value-added products targeted at our different customer segments. We continue to transform our organization through cost optimization and increasing operational efficiency which will help the delivery of sustainable returns for all our stakeholders.”

He stated, “We continued working towards our vision to lead the delivery of a ’bold, new Digital World’ to our customers and made good progress in the execution of our strategy in 2013. Over the medium term, our priorities are driving growth beyond voice, creating a distinct customer experience while ensuring that we optimize costs.

The Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, Madam Cynthia Lumor said, “as market leaders we are happy to see the sustained growth in our business. We are committed to the continuous improvement of the network and we will continue to partner with the relevant stakeholders to ensure we exceed the expectations of our customers.’ Madam Lumor has been given a delegation of authority, as the CEO Mr. Serame Taukobong was of the country.