MTN South Africa, in collaboration with Ericsson, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in mobile technology, setting both global and African records with its latest 5G core upgrades. The achievement underscores MTN’s ambition to cement its place as a leader in next-generation connectivity, while also positioning Africa as a key player in the global 5G race.
The upgrade expands MTN’s 5G Standalone (SA) core network, marking the largest implementation of its kind both on the continent and globally. This breakthrough allows the operator to deliver enhanced network speed, lower latency, and improved reliability for millions of subscribers. For South African users, it means access to a more robust mobile internet experience capable of powering advanced applications like immersive AR/VR, cloud gaming, and mission-critical services.
Ericsson, MTN’s long-time partner in network modernization, described the achievement as a defining moment for mobile infrastructure in Africa. The company’s advanced 5G core solutions provide the backbone for MTN’s ambitions, ensuring the network can scale to meet surging demand for data while supporting enterprise applications in industries ranging from mining and energy to healthcare and education.
What makes this achievement significant is not just the technical milestone but the broader signal it sends. Africa is often portrayed as lagging in technology adoption, yet this record demonstrates that the continent can not only keep up with global innovation but also lead in certain areas. MTN’s aggressive push into 5G aligns with South Africa’s digital transformation goals and could accelerate economic opportunities linked to Industry 4.0 technologies.
The expansion also speaks to MTN’s competitive positioning. As global operators race to unlock the full potential of 5G, MTN is ensuring that its customers and enterprise partners aren’t left behind. With more than 280 million subscribers across Africa and the Middle East, MTN’s innovations carry weight beyond national borders. By deploying record-setting infrastructure, the company is strengthening its appeal to investors, governments, and global partners eager to tap into Africa’s digital growth story.
However, challenges remain. The rollout of 5G in South Africa still faces hurdles such as limited spectrum availability, high device costs, and uneven rural coverage. While the record is worth celebrating, widespread adoption will require continued collaboration between telecom operators, regulators, and the private sector to ensure affordability and accessibility.
Still, the achievement places MTN in a strong position as it looks to the future of connectivity. By combining scale, technical expertise, and strategic partnerships like the one with Ericsson, MTN South Africa has proven that Africa is not just catching up in the digital era — it’s setting records of its own.
