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MTN, Smart extend 5G roaming of Philippines to South Africa

By Sarah ChenPhilippines
1 min read
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MTN South Africa network will be the first mobile operator in Africa to provide 5G access to customers from the Philippines through its international roaming agreement with the Philippines’ leading mobile services provider, Smart Communications.

The agreement delivers on MTN’s and Smart’s commitment to keeping its travelers connected and providing them with access to 5G; both at home and when traveling as capable devices become available.

“We’re excited to launch 5G roaming in South Africa with Smart’s network because of what it means for customers,” said Arne Casteleyn, general manager – international roaming, MTN GlobalConnect. “With MTN Y’ello Connect Roaming Hub and our central roaming team, we never stop innovating, developing and deploying faster roaming services to provide our customers with access to a next-generation network.”

Casteleyn further explained that providing 5G services for visitors coming to Africa is crucial to get the same data speeds as at home and to harness trends such as the Internet of Things (IoT). “We continue to ramp up the roll-out of 4G, VoLTE, and 5G roaming with the world’s top operators which proves MTN’s commitment to provide excellent roaming services to its travelers as travel restrictions ease with mass vaccinations.”

“This is part of Smart’s commitment to bring our world-class services anywhere in the world by expanding our 5G roaming coverage in Africa, after our successful rollout with 46 partners in Europe, USA, Middle East, and Asia,” said Ray Arsenal, AVP and head of roaming partnerships.

Established in 2018, MTN GlobalConnect is based in Dubai and its team is made up of more than 25 nationalities.

Questions & Answers

Q.

Which mobile operator in Africa will first offer 5G roaming access to customers from the Philippines?

A.

MTN South Africa network will be the first mobile operator in Africa to provide 5G access to customers from the Philippines. This is through its international roaming agreement with Smart Communications, the leading mobile services provider in the Philippines.

Q.

What is the purpose of this roaming agreement for MTN and Smart customers?

A.

The agreement aims to keep MTN's and Smart's travellers connected and provide them with 5G access. This applies both at home and when travelling, as capable devices become available to customers using their networks.

Q.

Where is MTN GlobalConnect based and when was it established?

A.

MTN GlobalConnect is based in Dubai and was established in 2018. Its team comprises more than 25 nationalities, working to develop and deploy faster roaming services for customers.

Q.

Why is providing 5G services for visitors to Africa considered important?

A.

Providing 5G services is crucial for visitors to Africa to experience the same data speeds they have at home. This also helps in harnessing trends like the Internet of Things, according to Arne Casteleyn from MTN GlobalConnect.

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