MTN’s Q110 subscribers up seven per cent quarter-on-quarter

South Africa’s MTN Group has recorded a consolidated subscriber base of 123.58 million throughout its footprint of 21 markets for the quarter ending March 31, 2010. This is seven per cent higher than the 116.025 million posted the previous quarter ending December 2009.

The South and East Africa (SEA) region contributed 22 per cent of the group’s total subscribers while West and Central Africa (WECA) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) contributed 46 per cent and 32 per cent respectively.

The SEA region increased its subscriber base by four per cent during the period. The South African operation contributes 60 per cent to the region’s subscribers, increasing by 2.2 per cent or 358,000 customers to 16,424,000. Uganda increased its subscriber base by eight per cent to 5,615,000 despite aggressive competition. Meanwhile Rwanda and Zambia both witnessed a growth of 11 per cent during the quarter, reaching 2,050,000 and 1,293,000 respectively.

The WECA region increased its subscriber base by seven per cent for the quarter, primarily due to growth in Nigeria which contributed 59 per cent to the region’s subscribers. Nigeria recorded an eight per cent increase in its subscriber base to 33,301,000 as network quality and the continued success of the distribution framework allowed for a competitive advantage. Guinea Conakry increased its subscribers 15 per cent to 1,467,000, while Guinea Bissau saw 10 per cent growth to reach 453,000.

The MENA region grew eight per cent, mainly due to the Iran operation which contributed 64 per cent to the region’s subscribers and increased its subscribers by nine per cent to 25,386,000. Syria increased its subscribers marginally by one per cent to 4,297,000.

MTN South Africa’s blended average revenue per user (ARPU) increased by seven per cent to R155 (US$21). Nigeria and Ghana’s ARPU declined each by 10 per cent to US$11 and US$7, attributed to increased penetration into lower market segments and seasonal trends. Iran’s ARPU remained relatively stable at US$8.