MTN reported slower growth in subscriber numbers for the first quarter after it disconnected nearly a million unprofitable South African users, sending its shares lower yesterday.
The company, with operations in over 20 countries, said it added 7.5% more customers in the first three months of the year, compared with growth of 14.5% a year ago.
It now has 210million users.
"Our operating environment remains tough, with persistent price competition and regulatory challenges in key markets," said CEO Sifiso Dabengwa.
MTN said it disconnected more than 973000 customers who had been showing activity but generating no revenue, reducing the number of subscribers to just under 30million in one of its most lucrative markets.
A month-long ban on SIM card sales in Nigeria for flouting quality standards and slower growth in Iran also had an impact, MTN said.
It added subscribers in most of its other markets, although average revenue per user was on a downward trend, including a 16.5% drop to R100 in South Africa.
Its shares had fallen 4.3% in early trading, but recovered somewhat in afternoon trading.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
