MTN R99 smartphone available at more stores

MTN says its R99 Smartphone For All initiative has proven very popular, forcing it to rapidly expand the list of participating stores due to an overwhelming response.

Launched in May 2025, the initiative aims to offer select MTN customers affordable 4G-enabled smartphones so they aren’t left behind when South Africa’s 2G and 3G networks are switched off.

“While we are not disclosing specific uptake figures at this stage, the demand has been strong,” MTN South Africa told MyBroadband.

“Phase one of the initiative was initially rolled out to a limited number of stores in Gauteng, but due to the overwhelming response, we’ve had to accelerate and expand the list of participating stores.”

The network operator says it is now preparing to conclude the initiative’s second phase, which aims to benefit more qualifying customers.

It added that significant interest in the project has attracted various institutions and organisations that are eager to partner with MTN to extend it.

“This speaks volumes about the programme’s early impact, especially in communities where access to affordable smart technology has long been a barrier to connectivity,” it says.

Through its outreach, MTN recently engaged with institutions like the Nazaeth Baptist Church to raise awareness and help expand access to the Smartphone For All initiative.

“These collaborations are enabling us not only to drive uptake but also to form partnerships that support our goal of connecting every South African to the digital world,” it says.

MTN announced the initiative in May 2025, with a first phase involving 5,000 devices. By the end of it, it plans to distribute 1.2 million affordable 4G-enabled smartphones to its prepaid customers.

It stated that the campaign formed part of its efforts to extend digital inclusion and ensure that its prepaid customers aren’t left behind in the country’s shift to 4G and 5G technologies.

“The initiative aligns with MTN’s work to provide affordable and accessible services to all South Africans,” the network operator stated.

“By giving customers access to 4G smartphones, MTN is empowering them to fully engage in the digital economy, with a focus on education, work, healthcare and communication.”

The initiative will run until the end of 2026, and MTN is offering the affordable devices to “carefully selected” customers.

MTN noted that it selects customers to offer affordable smartphones based on their usage profiles, spending patterns, and tenure.

R650 less than retail

In the first phase, MTN distributed Itel AC51 smartphones to qualifying customers. It recently shared the device’s key specs with MyBroadband:

• OS — Android 14 Go
• Display — 5-inch 854 x 480-pixel LCD
• Cameras — 5MP rear and 2MP selfie camera
• Battery — 2,050mAh
• Cellular connectivity — 4G (Dual SIM)

MTN recently revealed that its R99 once-off charge for the Itel AC51 means customers are paying R650 less than the smartphone’s suggested retail price of R749.

Through the first phase, MTN focused on customers in Gauteng; the second phase kicked off in June 2025.

“The next batch (phases 2 and 3) will see MTN SA distributing various devices, including Itel,” MTN told MyBroadband.

“These are zero cost to MTN and the customer, bar R99 once-off. MTN SA is incurring operational costs of between R150 and R190 per device through courier costs, call centre, marketing, and incentives.”

The second phase will see MTN offer 130,000 prepaid customers 4G smartphones from various brands, followed by a further 1.1 million customers in phase 3.

The network operator stated that the smartphones will be preloaded with various popular applications to enable customers to access a range of digital tools and services.

However, they will use a SIM card restricted to MTN’s network, which the operator noted is a common requirement for low-cost devices subsidised by mobile networks.

According to MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi, it is vital that the company proactively tries to connect as many South Africans as possible.

MTN is running the initiative in partnership with Smartphone For All Pty Limited, and the company’s founder and CEO, Babatunde Osho, said the project marks a pivotal step in bridging the digital divide.

“By making smartphones more accessible and affordable, we are unlocking opportunities for millions who have been left behind in the digital economy,” said Osho.