Carrier guide

Network compatibility MTN

MTN Group is Africa's largest mobile operator with over 290 million subscribers across 19 sub-Saharan African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Cameroon. This guide details the 4G/5G bands deployed by MTN and compatibility with HiCellTek tools.

Updated March 2026 · ~5 min read

MTN frequency bands

MTN operates a frequency portfolio adapted to each African market. The bands below cover the main deployments across the group's 19 countries.

Technology	Band	Frequency	Primary use
4G LTE	B1	2100 MHz	Urban coverage, capacity
4G LTE	B3	1800 MHz	Primary band, extended coverage
4G LTE	B7	2600 MHz	High capacity, dense areas
4G LTE	B20	800 MHz	Rural and indoor coverage
4G LTE	B28	700 MHz	Extended coverage, rural areas
5G NR	n78	3500 MHz	Primary 5G (SA, Nigeria, Ghana)

Deployed bands vary by country. MTN also retains 2G (900/1800 MHz) and 3G (900/2100 MHz) spectrum across most of its markets.

HiCellTek use cases for MTN

Drive Test

Run drive test campaigns on the MTN network using a simple Android smartphone. Measure RSRP, RSRQ, SINR and throughput band by band across roads and urban axes.

Network optimization

Identify low-coverage areas and interference on MTN's B3/B7/B20 bands. The RF Monitor module provides real-time KPIs to guide radio optimization.

SSV (Single Site Verification)

Validate new MTN site deployments by measuring coverage, signal quality and handovers. Export reports in Excel for client acceptance processes.

Indoor coverage audit

Map MTN coverage inside buildings with the Indoor Walk Test module. Ideal for campuses, shopping malls and offices across MTN markets.

Frequently asked questions. MTN

What 4G bands does MTN use in Africa?

MTN primarily deploys bands B1 (2100 MHz), B3 (1800 MHz), B7 (2600 MHz), B20 (800 MHz) and B28 (700 MHz) depending on the country. B3 is the most widely deployed band across MTN's sub-Saharan African network.

Does MTN offer 5G?

Yes, MTN has launched 5G in South Africa and Nigeria on band n78 (3500 MHz). The rollout is progressively expanding to other markets such as Ghana and Uganda.

How can I test MTN network quality in the field?

HiCellTek enables real-time measurement of RSRP, RSRQ and SINR band by band on the MTN network, directly from an Android smartphone. The Drive Test and RF Monitor modules are ideal for field audits.