MTN Becomes First Network to Offer LTE Services in Zambia:

MTN Zambia has commercially launched its LTE network upgrade, making it the first operator in the country to offer the service.

In a statement, MTN Zambia Chief Executive Officer Abdul Ismail said the commercial launch of 4G LTE is part of a bigger network transformation plan that MTN has been undertaking over the past few years.

"This launch further emphasizes MTN's commitment in not just transforming its own network but also the businesses of its Corporate and SME customers while contributing positively to the overall development of the ICT sector in Zambia," Mr. Ismail said.

MTN Zambia Chief Marketing Officer Clement Asante disclosed that today's launch of LTE is the first phase which covers Lusaka, Kitwe, Ndola and Livingstone. Phase two which is already work in progress and is expected to be completed soon will expand the 4G LTE coverage within these towns and cover some new towns as well.

The LTE launch comes just a few months after the company upgrades its 3G network to supporting 42Mbps download speeds following the connection of the network to the West Africa Cable System (WACS).

MTN Sells Tower Assets in Rwanda and Zambia to IHS:

South Africa based MTN Group has agreed to sell its tower portfolios in Rwanda and Zambia to IHS Holding for an undisclosed amount.

Under the terms of the deal, MTN will sell a total of 1,228 mobile networks towers to IHS's subsidiaries in Rwanda and Zambia, comprised of 524 and 704 towers respectively.

The sale of the towers builds on two previous deals with IHS in Cameroon and Côté d'Ivoire, for a total of 1,758 towers.

Under the agreements, IHS will acquire and operate the towers and related passive infrastructure and will invest in a build-to-suit program to support MTN's future requirements in both countries. MTN Rwanda and MTN Zambia will become the respective anchor tenants on the towers for an initial term of ten years.

IHS will market services on the towers in Rwanda and Zambia, promoting tower sharing and colocation with other users.

The transactions bring the total number of towers in IHS's portfolio to 10,500.

MTN Zambia Upgrades Mobile Data Download Speed to 42Mbps:

MTN Zambia says that it has increased its internet speed making it the fastest mobile data network in the country. This comes against the backdrop of the mobile network connecting to the West Africa Cable System (WACS) last month, which enhanced its internet capacity.

The WACS is a submarine communications cable which links to the UK along the west coast of Africa.

In a statement issued in Lusaka, MTN Zambia Chief Marketing Officer Clement Asante said the increase in internet speed to 42Mbps.

"Our research shows that there is high demand for mobile broadband but access is limited due to device prices. He said that is why MTN has made available low cost internet enabled devices as part of this internet drive initiative at as low as K115, a first in the Zambia market. To make the deal even more exciting, this device comes with free 150MB data," said the MTN Zambia CMO.

Customers will get free 150MB for purchase of K105 MTN MF190 Modem and 30MB MTN social Bundle for Facebook at K6.5 per month.

Other rewards are 50% discounts on MTN Voice chat and MTN Radio respective subscriptions on Fridays as well as random data giveaways for customers who keep their data devices active.