MTN South Africa outlined a plan to sell smartphones for ZAR99 ($5.42) to selected prepaid customers, a move positioned as an attempt to ensure nobody is left behind in the transition to 4G and 5G technology.

The company plans to offer the deal to 5,000 people in the first stage, primarily users in the Gauteng province of the country. Qualifying customers will be chosen based on spending patterns, usage profile and how long they’ve been with the company.

MTN then plans to extend the initiative nationally with more than 1.2 million people to be the offered one “for as little as” ZAR99 by the end of 2026, which is also its target date to switch off its 3G network.

The devices being offered are 4G smartphones with several applications already loaded focused on digital tools and services. One of the conditions of the deal is the handset must be used with an MTN SIM.

To offer the devices, the operator partnered with distribution specialist Smartphone For All.

MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi noted: “As the country transitions to technologies like 4G and 5G, it is vital that we take proactive steps to connect as many South Africans as possible”.

Smartphone for All founder and CEO Babatunde Osho added the move “marks a pivotal step in our journey to bridge the digital divide. By making smartphones more accessible and affordable, we are unlocking opportunities for millions who have been left behind in the digital economy.”

The move is the latest by an operator to address handset affordability, a factor frequently cited as one of the primary barriers to digital inclusivity, while also preparing its base for the expiry of technologies on which many older handsets rely.