MTN SA subscribers up 3.9% to 17.772m

"This is a satisfactory result despite aggressive competition and continued regulatory challenges in key markets.

"Most key markets continue to increase or maintain market share due to high quality networks, attractive value propositions and efficient distribution," MTN said.

The company said it also continues to drive group wide initiatives including mobile data value propositions and mobile money contributing to maintaining its market leadership.

The South and East African region, which contributes 22% to the group's subscriber base, increased its subscribers by 4.9% to 30.081 million for the quarter mainly driven by growth in South Africa, MTN said.

South Africa, which contributes 59% to the region's subscribers, increased its base by 3.9% to 17.772 million subscribers.

"This was driven by continued growth in the prepaid segment which added 616 000 subscribers. The success of the value proposition "MTN Zone Mahala" and sustained positive brand awareness contributed to the operations successful performance," MTN said.

MTN South Africa's blended average revenue per user (ARPU) remained stable at R152 compared to June 30, 2010, it said.

MTN Uganda increased its base by 5% to 6.215 million for the quarter as competition continued to intensify.

The West and Central African region contributes 46% to the group's subscribers and increased its subscribers by 3.4% to 61.380 million.

Nigeria, which contributes 60% to the region's subscribers, recorded a 5.1% increase in its subscriber base to 36.841 million. "Superior network quality and a success of the distribution framework continue to be the main strengths of the operation," it said.

"As anticipated, Ghana subscriber numbers declined from 8.723 million at the end of June 2010 to 8.459 million at September 30, 2010 following the implementation of SIM registration on July 1, 2010.

The impact of the new requirements initially lowered gross connections resulting in net negative subscriber growth in July and August which started to normalise in September 2010, the telecommunications group said.

Cameroon and Cote d'Ivoire increased their subscriber bases by 4% and 3.1% to 4.68 million and 4.996 million respectively as competitive and regulatory challenges persist.

The Middle East and North African region contributes 32% the group subscribers and increased its subscribers by 4.1% to 43.011 million.

"The growth within the region was largely due to the Iranian operation, which contributes 66% to the region's subscribers," the group said.

MTN Irancell increased its subscribers by 5.6% to 28.486 million due to attractive value propositions within the Ramadan period.

Syria increased its subscribers by 6.8% to 4.721 million due to increased brand awareness, MTN said.

ARPU remained relatively stable in local currency when compared to June 2010, the group said.

MTN South Africa's prepaid ARPU continued to show an upward trend although this was offset by the continued decline in postpaid ARPU.

Nigeria and Ghana's ARPU remained relatively stable in both USD and local currency, the group said.

"Notwithstanding high growth rates and seasonal trends, Iran's ARPU continued to remain relatively stable at $8 as aggressive network rollout benefits are felt," MTN said.