The MTN Group is proud to once again participate as the official and exclusive mobile technology partner for the Highway Africa conference, arguably the most important annual event for journalists covering the ICT sector. Now in its fifth year of sponsorship of the conference, last year MTN signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with Highway Africa to demonstrate support and confidence in the value of the conference. Says MTN Group spokesperson and executive: corporate affairs, Ms Nozipho January Bardill: “The MTN Group is proud to continue its association with Highway Africa, which we believe adds substantial value to the accurate and analytical coverage of the sector in which we do our business. MTN recognises the important role of the media in the advancement of the ICT industry. “Mobile technology forms a critical part of the realization and success of citizen journalism as many ordinary citizens do not have access to sophisticated equipment but can use mobile telephony, both the handsets and the network, to overcome those barriers and provide news and visuals instantaneously.” As the first African global sponsor of the upcoming FIFA 2010 World Cup South Africa™, MTN have secured the mobile content rights for the tournament and the company believes that the journalists attending this conference will be part of the revolution we expect in terms of the technology advances that will be seen at the time. As at 30 June 2008, MTN had a total of 74,1 million subscribers across its 21 operations. To meet the high demand for our services in our markets and to ensure appropriate levels of quality and capacity on our networks, MTN is investing heavily in network infrastructure as well as in hardware and software. In the first half of this year alone, we have already invested over R10 billion in Capex, including software. This is 65% more than the same period last year. Highway Africa Director, Mr Chris Kabwato says: “It is great to have MTN continuing its role as our official mobile partner. Highway Africa focuses on raising and seeking solutions to problems facing journalists in the ICT sector and MTN is one of the companies that play a significant role in this field, we’re delighted to have their support.”