* Q1 subscribers 170.6 mln vs 164.5
* Growth in Nigeria, South Africa, Iran
(Adds details)
JOHANNESBURG, MAY 4 (Reuters) – MTN Group, Africa’s
largest mobile operator, reported on Friday a 4 percent rise in
subscribers for the first quarter, helped by increases in its
key markets of South Africa, Nigeria and Iran.
MTN, which is currently the target of a lawsuit from rival
Turckcell, said in a statement its subscribers
totalled 170.6 million at the end of March, from 164.5 million
at the end of December.
The number of subscribers rose by around 3 percent in South
Africa and Nigeria, while its customers in Iran increased by
more than 6 percent.
Iran has been a significant money-spinner for MTN, although
it has also brought serious controversy. Turkcell is suing MTN
for at least $4.2 billion in a U.S. court, claiming MTN used
corrupt practices and promises of weapons to win its licence in
Iran.
Turkey’s largest mobile operator initially won the bid for
the Iran licence in 2004. Tehran later backed out of the deal
and awarded the business to MTN in 2005.
MTN has said the case has no legal merit.
Shares of MTN were up 1.4 percent at 136.41 rand at 1146
GMT.
(Reporting by David Dolan; Editing by Ed Cropley)
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