How MTN Became One Of The Largest Mobile Network Operators In The World. MTN Group Limited, formerly known as M-Cell is a South African multinational mobile telecommunications company, operating in many African, European and Asian countries. Its head office is in Johannesburg. In 2016, MTN recorded 232.6 million subscribers, making it the eighth largest mobile network operator in the world, and the largest in Africa. One-third of the company’s revenue comes from Nigeria, where it holds about 35% market share.
The company was founded in 1994 as M-Cell with assistance from the South African government. In May 2008, Bharti Airtel, an India-based telecommunications company, explored the possibility of buying MTN Group. Reliance Communications was also in talks with MTN for a “potential combination of their businesses”. In July, the two companies ended discussions regarding the merger.
In June 2008, MTN Group agreed to purchase Verizon Business South Africa, which was a provider of data services to customers in South Africa and four other African countries. The acquisition was completed in 2009. MTN Group sponsored the CAF Champions League football competition, as well as APOEL FC, winners of the Cypriot First Division in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2014, and participants in the 2009–10 and 2011–12 UEFA Champions League. In 2010, it was announced that MTN signed a sponsorship deal with English football club Manchester United FC. Since 2017, MTN Group is the primary sponsor of the South Africa national rugby union team.
MTN is an emerging market mobile operator at the forefront of technological and digital changes. From its headquarters in Johannesburg and guided by its values, it is delivering a bold, new digital world to its customers across Africa and the Middle East – one of the world’s fastest-growing regions for mobile telecommunications. Established in South Africa at the dawn of democracy as a leader in transformation, it has grown rapidly by investing in advanced communication infrastructure and by harnessing the talent of its people. The company now offers voice, data and digital services to retail customers in the 21 countries in which its operations have telecoms licenses. It also offers enterprise solutions to corporate and public-sector customers in a total of 23 countries. The company’s brand is among the most admired brands in Africa as well as among the most valuable African brands.
