Afghan Biographies
MTN
Name | MTN |
Ethnic backgr. | |
Date of birth | |
Function/Grade | Telecommunications operator in Afghanistan |
History and Biodata | MTN Group will exit its operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan to become an Africa-only-focused telecommunications operator.
The group is already in “advanced discussions” to sell its 75 percent stake in its Syrian subsidiary, CEO Rob Shuter said in a call with journalists. It is negotiating with TeleInvest, the 25% owner of the Syrian business, about the sale. Shuter said the initial focus will be on exiting its operations in Syria, Yemen and Afghanistan. However, it also plans to divest of its 49 percent of its stake in MTN Irancell in time.
News of the Middle East and Afghanistan exit comes after a lawsuit was filed in the US in April 2020 that claimed MTN and several other Western businesses aided terrorist organizations in activities carried out against the United States in the region. Filed on behalf of American service members, civilians, and their families, who were killed or wounded in Afghanistan, the complaint alleged that MTN paid over $100 million to al-Qaeda and the Taliban so its towers would not be destroyed. The lawsuit also claimed that MTN would switch off these towers at night, and in doing so, hampered US intelligence operations. Mybroadband.co.za reported that MTN previously filed a motion to dismiss the original lawsuit, because it said the court lacks jurisdiction over MTN, which does not operate in the United States, and because the complaint does not allege any conduct by MTN that would have violated the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Following an amendment of the complaint by the plaintiffs in June 2020 the operator now anticipates filing another motion to dismiss on largely the same grounds. “MTN remains of the view that it conducts its business in a responsible and compliant manner in all its territories and will defend its position where necessary,” the operator said.(20200806) The wireless carrier has been narrowing focus on its home continent since 2020, targeting high growth areas such as data sales and mobile-money. The group abandoned its Syrian business and transferred its Yemen unit to a partner. Operating in Afghanistan, where MTN is the biggest operator with about a 40% market share, has been complicated since the US withdrawal in August 2021. MTN remains present in Iran.(20221104)
Background: MTN Group is a South Africa-based multinational mobile telecommunications company, operating in many African and Middle Eastern countries. Its head office is in Johannesburg. MTN is a telecommunications operator in the Middle East and Africa. Through its legal entity Areeba, the company won the second GSM license in Afghanistan in July 2006 and was later re-branded to MTN in 2008. Investcom is behind Areeba and MTN. Investcom is listed on London and Dubai stock exchanges.Investcom has more than 4 million subscribers. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology issued 3G internet license to MTN Company. MTN paid US$25 million for the license to Afghan Government.(20120621) |
Last Modified | 2023-06-22 |
Established | 2012-06-26 |