Bulk SMS Mobile industry news

MTN expressed that they are "unhappy" with their subscriber growth performance in the last 6 months leading to September 30.

MTN's subscriber base was reported at 32% (20,6 million) in a 90 day review window. They were disappointed with the South African market though as the subscriber base increased a mere 12% (8.9 million) in the last 6 months. A loss in the prepaid market was also reported.

Vodacom reported a 40% year-on-year growth to 15,8 million domestic customers.

This implied that the non South African subscribers at MTN outstripped the local market. 56% of its customers are now residing in Nigeria, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Uganda, Rwanda, Swaziland or Zambia.

SMS continued to dominate the data end of the business contributing 96% of total data revenue. EDGE and 3G rollout will continue during 2006.

They expect the South African subscriber base to grow to 41 million Sim users by 2009 with the Nigerian market reaching 25-30 million by 2009. MTN paid €300 million for a license in Iran and will be spending another €150 million to capitalize Irancel. MTN has 49% stake in Irancel.

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