MTN Group recorded a total of 134,471,000 subscribers at 30 September 2010. According to MTN this is a 4% increase for the quarter from 129,214,000 subscribers recorded at 30 June 2010.<\/p>\n
“This is a satisfactory result despite aggressive competition and continued regulatory challenges in key markets. Most key markets continue to increase or maintain market share due to high quality networks, attractive value propositions and efficient distribution,” MTN said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“The company also continues to drive group wide initiatives including mobile data value propositions and mobile money contributing to maintaining our market leadership.”<\/p>\n
The South and East African region, which contributes 22% to the Group’s subscriber base, increased its subscribers by 4.9% to 30,081,000 for the quarter mainly driven by growth in South Africa, said MTN.<\/p>\n
South Africa contributes 59% to the region’s subscribers and increased its base by 3.9% to 17,772,000 subscribers for the quarter ended 30 September 2010.<\/p>\n
“This was driven by continued growth in the prepaid segment which added 616 000 subscribers. The success of the value proposition ‘MTN Zone Mahala’ and sustained positive brand awareness contributed to the operations successful performance,” said MTN.<\/p>\n
MTN added that their Uganda operations increased its base by 5% to 6,215,000 for the quarter as competition continued to intensify.<\/p>\n
Average revenue per a user (“ARPU”) remained relatively stable in local currency when compared to June 2010, said MTN. The blended ARPU of their South African operations remained stable at R152 compared to 30 June 2010. Prepaid ARPU continued to show an upward trend although this was offset by the continued decline in postpaid ARPU.<\/p>\n
Nigeria and Ghana’s ARPU remained relatively stable in both USD and local currency. Notwithstanding high growth rates and seasonal trends, Iran’s ARPU continued to remain relatively stable at $8 as aggressive network rollout benefits are felt, said MTN.<\/p>\n
| Country<\/td>\n | New (`000)<\/td>\n | Old (`000)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| South Africa<\/td>\n | 2300<\/td>\n | 1800<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Nigeria<\/td>\n | 7100<\/td>\n | 6350<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Ghana<\/td>\n | 600<\/td>\n | 600<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Iran<\/td>\n | 6300<\/td>\n | 5000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Syria<\/td>\n | 500<\/td>\n | 400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| rest<\/td>\n | 6100<\/td>\n | 7000<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
| Total<\/td>\n | 22900<\/td>\n | 21150<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n |