On a constant currency basis data revenue increased by 20.1 percent in a year, contributing 24.2 percent to total revenue. Voice and data traffic increased by 12.1 percent and 123.3 percent respectively year-on-year. The company trimmed its outlook for full-year subscriber growth following the weak Q1. It now expects net additions of 11.95 billion, compared to a previous forecast for 12.5 million. The company said the contraction was mainly in Nigeria and Uganda, while Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire are growing faster than expected.
MTN Group executive chairman Phuthuma Nhleko said that the group was hit hard by the events that took place at the end of 2015 – referencing the multi-billion-dollar fine imposed on the group by Nigerian authorities. Nhleko said MTN has now dealt with all the subscribers in Nigeria who were considered to be non-compliant, and the operator continues to focus on reconnecting subscribers through proactive engagement and winback offers. He said MTN Nigeria continued to engage the regulatory authorities and hoped to receive approval from the regulator for approval of promotional products and services during the current month.
