MTN South Africa has initiated an innovative pilot project aimed at accelerating access to fifth-generation (5G) connectivity through the introduction of a rapid SIM card and home internet package delivery service in Johannesburg. The initiative, branded as Shesh@5G, deploys motorbike couriers to deliver connectivity packages directly to customers within a two-hour window, marking a significant shift in customer service delivery models within the South African telecommunications sector.
The pilot service is currently operational in selected suburbs of Johannesburg and, according to company representatives, will be expanded nationwide contingent on performance outcomes. Customers place orders online and receive their SIM cards or home connectivity bundles delivered to their location by motorbike couriers. Upon receipt, customers can complete the legally mandated SIM registration process—known locally as RICA (Regulation of Interception of Communications and Provision of Communication-Related Information Act)—via the MTN mobile application, allowing immediate activation and access to high-speed internet.
Tania Ladopoulou, General Manager for Online and Telesales at MTN South Africa, emphasised the transformative potential of this delivery mechanism. “We are eliminating traditional barriers such as delayed delivery and lengthy queues. This is a service rooted in convenience and efficiency, tailored to meet the expectations of a digitally empowered consumer base,” she stated.
This initiative builds upon MTN’s broader commitment to digital inclusivity. Recently, the network operator announced its Smartphone For All campaign, which will see over 1.2 million customers receive 4G-capable smartphones at a subsidised price of R99. The twin campaigns are emblematic of MTN’s strategic aim to bridge the digital divide and extend high-speed internet access to underserved and previously marginalised populations across South Africa.
While the Shesh@5G model has yet to be rolled out beyond Johannesburg, its early implementation signals a significant departure from conventional service logistics. By leveraging agile last-mile delivery mechanisms, MTN is positioning itself as a key player in the modernisation of South Africa’s telecommunications infrastructure, particularly in the realm of next-generation mobile broadband.
The initiative also aligns with broader governmental and industry objectives to boost national 5G adoption rates. According to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), enhanced deployment of 5G networks is a national priority due to its potential to drive economic growth, improve access to digital services, and support the development of smart urban infrastructures.
If successful, the Shesh@5G model could serve as a blueprint for future service delivery innovations in the region and beyond, offering a scalable, efficient, and customer-centric approach to network access.
