MTN South Africa Launches Affordable 5G Smartphone to Boost Mobile Internet Access

Johannesburg, November 26, 2024 — MTN South Africa has launched the MTN Icon 5G smartphone, priced at 2,499 rand ($138), as part of its efforts to make mobile internet more accessible across the country. The new device is aimed at encouraging South Africans to upgrade from older 2G and 3G technologies to the faster, more reliable 5G network.

While mobile internet penetration has improved and helped reduce the digital divide, significant challenges remain, particularly around affordability, according to the GSMA industry body. MTN’s launch of the Icon 5G smartphone is seen as a step toward addressing this gap and expanding 5G access to a wider range of customers.