SENS Note - 31 October 2008

MTN -- release of subscriber numbers

MTN Group recorded 80,736,000 subscribers at 30 September 2008. This is a 9% increase for the quarter from 74,058,000 subscribers recorded at 30 June 2008. The proportional subscriber contribution between the regions remains unchanged with that at 30 June 2008. South and East Africa (SEA) region contributed 28% of the group's total subscribers while West and Central Africa (WECA) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) contributed 44% and 28% respectively. The SEA region increased its subscriber base by 7% for the quarter. The South African operation contributes 72% to the region's subscribers, with its subscribers increasing 4% to 16 173 000 for the quarter ended 30 September 2008. Postpaid net connections were satisfactory for the quarter. Prepaid growth was underpinned by the value proposition, MTN Zone, which was enhanced to include off net calls and which continues to be a success. Uganda increased its subscriber base by 16% following the introduction of MTN Zone in late July, with approximately 2 million subscribers on this price plan at 30 September 2008. The WECA region increased its subscriber base by 10% for the quarter. Nigeria contributes 56% to the region's subscribers and recorded a 9% increase in its subscriber base to 20 171 000. Aggressive network rollout in Nigeria continued in Q3 with 524 BTS's rolled out during the quarter. Quality of service improved significantly resulting in the advertising ban being lifted by the regulator. In the WECA region MTN Zone was introduced in Ghana, Cameroon and Benin during the period under review. Ghana rolled out 377 BTS's and increased its subscriber base by 14% to 5 713 000. Both Cameroon and Cote d`Ivoire increased their subscriber bases by 7% to 3 313 000 and 3 243 000 respectively. The MENA region recorded a 10% increase in subscribers for the quarter. This was mainly due to continued growth from the Iran operation, which increased its subscribers by 13% to 13 139 000. Following the substantial disconnections in Q2, subscriber growth in Sudan has started to show an improvement with a 7% increase in its subscribers to 2 266 000. Syria's more modest increase of 2% is attributed to a slowdown in acquisitions during the Ramadan period. MTN South Africa's blended ARPU increased by 1% indicating that rising inflation has still not had an unfavourable affect on the quantum of disposable income allocated to telecommunications. Nigeria, Ghana, Iran and Cameroon ARPU`s remain robust not withstanding seasonal trends and increased penetration.

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