09 March 2021

MTN launched its Supersonic AirFibre offering, designed to overcome distance and a lack of infrastructure in urban, township and rural communities to bring fibre-quality connectivity to more households across South Africa.

Built on unlicensed spectrum, the operator says the solution was designed, built and is maintained by MTN’s technology team to deliver a network quality that is in line with MTN’s standards, at affordable rates.

“We are breaking down the traditional barriers to entry that have denied many access to a modern, connected life,” said Calvin Collett, managing director of MTN South Africa’s ISP – Supersonic. “From Soweto to Swellendam, we believe that every household deserves the speed and benefits of fibre-like connectivity, and through AirFibre, we believe we can achieve this.”

MTN also said that Supersonic AirFibre will bring high-speed, inexpensive and uncapped connectivity solutions to areas in which traditional fibre installations are not available.

Due to the current major lack of available spectrum, MTN has located unlicensed spectrum – a readily available resource – and combined it with technology now available to effectively leverage open spectrum.

This is something that was previously not possible or stable, the company said.

Regulator the Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA) is set to auction the much-needed high-demand spectrum in March.

Meanwhile, MTN Group has unveiled its new Employee Value Proposition (EVP) entitled “Live Inspired” which aims to foster agility, flexibility and adaptation of future employee skills, in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The operator has adopted a new approach within its organisation that involves abandoning old conventional ways of working and embracing the “new normal” with confidence and optimism.

“For us, it’s really about the power of choice. We recognize that what our people value is motivated by choice and flexibility,” said Paul Norman, human resources director, MTN Group. “That’s why our “EVP” is designed to respond to the diverse personalities and preferences that inspire and help people realize their true potential.”

Norman added that real growth is inspired by a goal that advances individuals and impacts organizations and communities.  MTN’s goal will be to create an inspiring environment for everyone to “get active”. This goal will be fuelled by true inclusion, respect for diversity, fair rewards, true recognition and personal flexibility to contribute in the most productive way possible, company said.