SENS Note - 14 March 2005

MTN pioneer status in Nigeria unchanged

Notwithstanding speculation and otherwise in respect of a review of the pioneer status involving a tax holiday for a period of five years granted to all GSM operators in Nigeria, MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd (MTN Nigeria) has valid certification in respect of such pioneer status. This concession has given MTN an opportunity to increase the speed and extent of its investment and infrastructure roll-out in Nigeria. To September 2004 MTN Nigeria has invested in excess of USD1.7 billion in infrastructure roll-out and licence fees. MTN Nigeria`s GSM network infrastructure extends to approximately 56 percent of the population, covers more than 80 cities and towns and geographic coverage has reached 278 000 km2.

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