MTN launches $137 5G smartphone in South Africa

MTN South Africa has launched its Icon 5G-enabled smartphone priced at $137.22. According to the telecoms giant, the new device is part of its focus to bridge the digital divide on the continent. It will also make the latest mobile network technology available to all South Africans.

Recall that we reported that the telecommunications company completed its first 5.5G network trial in Africa in partnership with Huawei earlier in the month. The innovative technology is intended to set a new tone in the continent’s telecommunications structure. 

During the 5G smartphone launch, MTN South Africa’s general manager of devices, Thando Gabela said that the development is a step towards making mobile communication services accessible to all.

“We are excited to bring this affordable 5G smartphone to the South African market. This is another significant step in our mission to ensure that all South Africans have access to fast, reliable, and affordable mobile communication, regardless of their economic background,” he said. 

He added that adopting the new devices will enable swift and more reliable network services. “As we continue to roll out our network advancements, the increased adoption of 4G and 5G devices empowers our customers with faster, more reliable services — unlocking new opportunities for education, business, and personal growth.”

He also pointed out that its targeted consumers include those seeking to migrate from 2G-only and 3G-only devices.

As for its features, the Icon 5G smartphone has a 6.6-inch screen, 5,000 mAh battery, and 128GB of onboard storage. It also has a 50 MP and 2 MP dual camera and the front camera is an 8MP shooter.

Switching from 2G and 3G-only devices.

South Africans might be forced to upgrade from 3G-only smartphones in the coming years. According to a timeline by the country’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) in February, the switch-off of 2G and 3G would start from 1 June 2025 and be fully completed by 31 December 2027.

The revised Next-Generation Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy also provides that mobile operators can decide in which order they want to switch off their legacy networks.

The policy also stated that the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) would be responsible for setting specific guidelines on the timing of the key steps in the process.

The communications minister Solly Malatsi, who was appointed after the policy was published, said that he does agree with the government on its decision to impose deadlines for the switch-off.

“While there is a determination to get towards the sunsetting of 2G and 3G, I think the most important thing is that it has to be market-led instead of a government imposition of a deadline,” he said.

Mobile networks such as Vodacom and MTN have expressed their support for the minister’s statement.

Icon 5G Smartphone – MTN’s commitment to driving advanced network

Two weeks ago, the company completed the first 5.5G network trial in Africa. According to MTN, the innovative technology of the 5.5G network is intended to set a new tone in African telecommunications. 

During the trial, the company deployed Huawei’s commercial SingleRAN ultra-wideband active-antenna units and applied hybrid beamforming architecture. In addition, it employed innovative technologies such as flexible dynamic beam management and Inter-FR carrier aggregation (CA).

MTN said the network expansion will offer an ultra-high-speed experience of 8.6 Gbps to users. The experience will also expand new commercial services for consumers, households, and enterprises. It will again accelerate advanced use cases such as 24K Extended Reality (XR), High-Speed Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), holographic conferencing, enhanced 5G private networks, and so on.

Rami Farah, MTN South Africa CTO, described the network advancement as a testament to MTN’s commitment to excellence.

“The successful validation of 5.5G technology by MTN SA and Huawei is not just a technical breakthrough but also a testament to MTN’s ongoing pursuit of excellence. We look forward to more innovative solutions to continuously build the best network and deliver an enhanced experience for South African residents,” he said.

As part of its drive for advanced network, MTN launched Benin’s first 5G network last week. 

Read More: MTN completes first 5.5G trial in South Africa.