MTN Ghana seeks to partner Starlink to deliver quality service

By Daniel NONOR, Accra

MTN Ghana would be seeking to strike a strategic partnership with Starlink , a global satellite internet provider  to augment its channels to provide capacity for its customers in the country.

Chief Executive officer of MTN Selorm Adadevoh disclosed this at the company’s Annual General Meeting on Friday in Accra.

“Ultimately different sources of capacity provide a complementary eco-system to be able to provide continuity to our service delivery. we look at starlink as an alternative to the current mechanisms and channels we have to provide capacity to our customers”.

Discussions around accelerating Ghana’s pace of satellite internet licensing have increased in response to the recent widespread   disruption to data and voice services caused by undersea cable damages.

Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, minister for communications and digitisation, has since announced government’s plans to licence satellite internet provider Starlink. 

This development according Mr Adadevor provides MTN with an opportunity to leverage alternative channels to deliver quality uninterrupted services to Ghanaians.

“In the event that those channels are required we would have to have the various partnerships in place so that we can leverage those channels to deliver services. we see it as a strategic partnership opportunity so that we can continue to provide continued service across multiple channels not only micro wave, not only through fibre channels but also through satellite and that is how we see the position of starlink “ he emphasized.

MTN Ghana reported strong growth in key financial and non-financial metrics for the year 2023.

Service revenue surged by an impressive 34.6% to GH₵13.3 billion, while earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) soared by 40.2% to GH₵7.8 billion during the same period.

Additionally, MTN Ghana invested a substantial GH₵4.1 billion in capital expenditure to expand network coverage and enhance service quality.

The company also made significant contributions to the Ghanaian economy by paying GH₵5.9 billion in direct and indirect taxes, representing a remarkable 59.5% year-on-year increase.

In light of its outstanding performance, the board has recommended a final dividend payout of 17 pesewas per share to shareholders.

 Mr Selorm Adadevoh giving an outlook for the years ahead at the Annual General Meeting noted that the company remains committed to strengthening customer trust and loyalty and to deliver quality service.

Empowered by the strong demand for data and its rapid adaptation in both urban and rural areas, he said MTN aspires to drive the acceleration of smart phone usage and address the immense need for high speed internet in homes and broadband market.

A resolution was adopted by the shareholders for the approval of the appointment of Mr Stephen Blewett the new Chief Executive Officer of the MTN.

Mr Adadevor, has been promoted to the new role of MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer.

Board Chairman of MTN Ghana Mr Ishmael Yamson also highlighted the company’s resilience in the face of challenging economic conditions

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting held in Accra, he emphasized MTN’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Ghanaians through various environmental and economic initiatives.

He said MTN remained unwavering in its commitment to better the lives of people in Ghana by supporting various environmental and economic initiatives.

Mr Yamson further expressed the company’s dedication to investing heavily in its network and technology in an environmentally sustainable manner.