The MTN group has revealed it will be a key partner in rolling out Windows 8 devices across South Africa, after the platform launched in the country last Friday.
MTN announced it will be making Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 devices available to its customers in South Africa as soon as next month, and will put them on the market in Ghana and Nigeria in December.
The company said in a press statement: “MTN customers in South Africa, Ghana and Nigeria will be among the first users in the world to experience the Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 operating systems. Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 devices will be available in other MTN markets soon afterwards.”
Senior Director of Operator Channels at Microsoft’s Middle East and Africa unit Oran Dror said: “Microsoft is delighted to collaborate with MTN to make Windows Phone 8 and Windows 8 available in Africa.”
He added: “With Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, MTN customers will have a fast and fluid experience that comes to life with exciting hardware and applications and interoperability with the cloud.”
MTN went on to reaffirm its commitment to the South African telecommunications sector and its users, stating not only that it will continue to invest in upgrading and renewing infrastructure nation-wide, but also reiterating the company’s dedication to providing users with a “rich and dynamic” experience in the mobile technologies arena.
It is under this strategy that the company has decided to be a key partner pushing Microsoft’s new products as they launch across Africa over the coming months.
MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer Christian de Faria added: “MTN is committed to leading the delivery of a brighter digital world to our customers, and Windows 8 provides an unparalleled digital services experience. To this end, MTN will showcase Microsoft offerings across phones, PCs and tablets in our flagship stores in South Africa and beyond.”
In a side note, the company also went on to reveal that it is still ploughing ahead with plans to launch an LTE network in South Africa before the end of the year which will enable Windows 8 device users to access enhanced features.
Rival South African telecom Vodacom launched their own commercial LTE network in Johannesburg earlier this month. However, in an interview with HumanIPO, Chief Technology Officer Andries Delport revealed that the lack of compatible devices on the African market will hinder take-up of the new mobile technology. As such, MTN’s partnering with Microsoft may prove significant competition to telecoms rivals if they manage to roll-out accessible LTE compatible devices next month.
