MTN Inaugerates New MSC in Southern Sudan

MTN Sudan has inaugurated a new Mobile Switching Center (MSC) that will serve MTN's network in the Southern Sudan region. The network currently covers five cities in the region and is expanding its network to five more this year.

Chief Executive Officer for MTN Sudan, Mr. Hassan Jabber told the Sudan Tribune: "The development of Sudan in general and more specifically Southern Sudan Telecom is of paramount importance to MTN. MTN is committed to extend its network coverage to provide the South Sudan consumer to cellular communication access, exciting offers for best value for money and telecom affordability,"

He said MTN is also implementing community development programs to promote economic development for the people of Southern Sudan. "Our role as a corporate citizen towards Corporate Social Responsibility is to provide programs to uplift and empower communities as well as promote positive engagement with the government", he added.

Figures from the Mobile World report that Sudan ended last September with an estimated 9.5 million mobile subscribers - representing a population penetration level of just under 22%. Last April, Zain launched a GSM network in Southern Sudan, having deployed 50 base stations in the main urban areas. Another network Vivacell launched earlier this year.

Southern Sudan is an autonomous region intermediate between the states and the national government. Southern Sudan is scheduled to have a referendum on independence in 2011.

On the web: Sudan Tribune - Mobile World

Posted to the site on 27th February 2009