Residents and businesses across the Free State and Northern Cape will soon experience enhanced connectivity as MTN South Africa invests over R480 million in network upgrades and expansion initiatives planned for 2026 to improve digital access across the two provinces.
The investment will see R300 million allocated to the Free State, while the Northern Cape will benefit from over R180 million, as MTN continues to strengthen its network infrastructure and improve access to reliable connectivity for communities in urban centres, farming districts and previously underserved rural towns.
The rollout will prioritise network upgrades in towns and surrounding communities such as Welkom, Bethlehem, Phuthaditjhaba and QwaQwa in the Free State, as well as Kimberley, Upington, Kuruman and De Aar in the Northern Cape. These upgrades are expected to improve 4G reliability and expand 5G access, helping communities gain better access to digital services, education platforms and economic opportunities.
This latest investment forms part of MTN’s broader national infrastructure programme announced earlier this year at the South African Investment Summit, reaffirming the company’s commitment to expanding digital access and supporting inclusive economic development throughout South Africa.
Through this programme, MTN aims to expand 5G connectivity coverage to 82% in the Free State and 75% in the Northern Cape by 2026, while also improving the resilience of 4G services across both provinces. A key focus of the rollout will be connecting remote rural and farming communities, where reliable connectivity remains essential for education, healthcare access, agriculture and small business growth.
For many rural communities, access to stable network coverage means learners can access online educational resources, farmers can improve operations through digital tools, and local entrepreneurs can better serve customers through mobile payment systems and online platforms.
Commenting on the investment, Isabel Belle, General Manager: Central Region Operations at MTN South Africa, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind. “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.” Belle added that rural broadband access remains central to MTN’s ambition to deliver meaningful digital inclusion. “Our rural broadband strategy is driven by the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in the digital economy, regardless of where they live. This investment is not just about technology – it is creating opportunities for communities, businesses and families.,” she said.
For local residents and small business owners, the investment is expected to unlock meaningful value. Julius Kgobe, owner of a Logistics Company in Kuruman, welcomed the announcement, saying reliable connectivity is critical for day-to-day business operations.“Reliable network connectivity has become essential for how we run our business and how our children learn. Better coverage and access to 5G will help us process payments faster, stay connected with customers and give our children better access to online learning resources. This kind of investment gives rural communities like ours the opportunity to grow and compete,” she said.
Adding to the broader impact of the investment, Chemnetic, a local network infrastructure service provider contracted under Ericsson, MTN South Africa’s network partner, said the investment is creating opportunities not only for consumers but also for small businesses operating within the province.
“Investments like these are not only improving connectivity for consumers, but they are also creating meaningful opportunities for small businesses like ours. As local service providers supporting network infrastructure deployment, we benefit directly through increased work opportunities, skills development and the chance to contribute to the digital growth of our communities. This kind of investment strengthens the local economy while helping connect more people to the opportunities that reliable connectivity brings,” said Chemnetic’s Stefan Boshoff.
This investment underscores MTN’s long-term commitment to building a more inclusive and connected South Africa. By prioritising infrastructure expansion in provinces where connectivity gaps remain, the company is helping to ensure that more South Africans can participate meaningfully in the digital economy.