JOHANNESBURG, South Africa-M-Cell, the holding company of mobile network operator MTN, announced that its board has deliberated on the business opportunity presented by South Africa’s second national operator (SNO) license. The group said that after evaluating the projected market impact of the SNO, as well as the funding requirements of participation, the board concluded that it would not participate in the bid.
The board did, however, favor the possibility of working with the SNO by providing access to the group’s wireless network and other resources, if this proves to be commercially viable and should opportunities arise.
“MTN South Africa is in a good position to leverage its assets and technical expertise, developed over the last eight years of operation, in a mutually beneficial commercial arrangement,” said Phuthuma Nhleko, M-Cell/MTN Group chief executive officer (CEO).
“The company is well-positioned to optimize the business opportunities presented by the fixed-mobile license of the SNO. The convergence of technologies through wireless networks, as well as growing market demand for integrated communications solutions, favors partnerships between fixed and mobile operators.”
