MTN to offer affordable 4G smartphones at R99

The network stated that this campaign is a crucial part of its broader strategy to extend digital access across the country and ensure that individuals are not excluded from South Africa’s ongoing transition to advanced 4G and 5G technologies.

“The initiative aligns with MTN’s work to provide affordable and accessible mobile services to all South Africans,” MTN affirmed in a statement. “By giving customers access to 4G smartphones, MTN is empowering them to fully engage in the digital economy, with a focus on education, work, healthcare, and communication.”

The rollout of this ambitious initiative will be conducted in three distinct phases spanning from May 2025 to the end of 2026.

The initial phase will see 5,000 of these budget-friendly 4G smartphones being offered to a carefully selected group of customers. “Selection will be based on usage profiles, spending patterns, and tenure, and will mainly be in Gauteng,” MTN specified, indicating a targeted approach for the initial distribution.

The second phase will significantly expand the reach of the initiative, with over 130,000 customers across South Africa set to receive offers for these devices. This will be followed by the third and largest phase, which aims to reach an additional 1.1 million MTN customers nationwide.

MTN has confirmed that the offered smartphones will come preloaded with a range of essential applications, designed to facilitate customers’ access to a wide array of digital tools and services from the moment they power on their new devices.

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A common requirement for such subsidized, low-cost devices is that they typically operate with a SIM card that is restricted to the mobile network offering the promotion. In this case, the smartphones will be locked to MTN’s network.

Charles Molapisi, the CEO of MTN South Africa, emphasized the critical importance of the operator taking proactive steps to connect as many South Africans as possible to the digital world.

This impactful initiative is being executed in partnership with Smartphone For All Pty Limited.

Babatunde Osho, the founder and CEO of Smartphone For All, hailed the initiative as a pivotal moment in bridging the persistent digital divide within South Africa. “By making smartphones more accessible and affordable, we are unlocking opportunities for millions who have been left behind in the digital economy,” Osho stated, underscoring the transformative potential of this collaboration.