Cape Town - Mobile operator MTN announced on Monday that it had acquired a controlling share in internet service provider Afrihost.
The deal is still subject to regulatory approval but MTN said that it intended to use Afrihost to expand its business services in the SME market.
"MTN
South Africa expects to leverage off Afrihost’s strong customer service, value
proposition and agility, thereby boosting MTN South Africa’s presence in the
SME, corporate/consumer and connected home segments.
"MTN South Africa will in
addition be able to supply Afrihost with products for its existing customer
base and vice versa," the mobile operator said in a statement.
This deal announcement follows a similar agreement between rival Vodacom and Neotel which is also subject to regulatory approval.
Both mobile
operators are looking to consolidate gains in the market and boost enterprise
broadband offerings, especially as the availability of fibre increases.