MTN Eswatini has launched a new Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) solution, providing businesses with instant, secure, walkie-talkie-style communication across the country.
The innovation was launched during the company’s End-of-Year Business Luncheon at Summerfields Botanical Gardens & Exclusive Resort, where MTN reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, digital transformation, and building stronger partnerships with corporate clients.
Speaking at the event, MTN Eswatini Executive Head of Enterprise Business Unit, Wandile Dlamini stated that the introduction of PoC is a direct response to the communication challenges many organizations still face, especially those using traditional radio or private walkie-talkie systems.
“This gathering celebrates the partnerships that have fueled the success of the Enterprise Business Unit. Every solution we’ve delivered has only been possible because of the trust and collaboration we share with each of you,” he said. “Today, we are introducing a solution that directly addresses the needs you have raised with us over the years.”
Push-to-Talk over Cellular functions similarly to a traditional walkie-talkie; users press a single button to immediately communicate with individuals or groups. MTN’s PoC operates on the company’s extensive mobile network, removing the need for private communication infrastructure such as towers, repeaters, or spectrum licenses.
Dlamini observed that organizations operating private systems currently face high costs, coverage gaps, spectrum issues, and complicated maintenance. MTN’s PoC seeks to overcome these obstacles by utilizing its extensive national coverage, which is now above 96%.
“With our network coverage, you can now enjoy seamless connectivity anywhere in Eswatini without worrying about spectrum licensing. Just use the MTN network,” he said.
The PoC service includes advanced, rugged communication devices built for demanding commercial settings. These devices support:
• Instant one-button voice communication
• Individual or group calls
• Text messaging
• Video communication
• Real-time tracking
Dlamini highlighted that the tracking feature has become a key differentiator for early adopters already exploring the solution.
“As long as your employees have this device, you can track their location and activity in real time. This provides a new level of visibility and efficiency in operations,” he said.
The system also supports encrypted communication, ensuring secure transmission for organizations handling sensitive or mission-critical operations.
MTN’s PoC is designed to be flexible and accommodate various industries. Dlamini shared several examples demonstrating the transformative potential of the new service.
• Emergency Services: A paramedic rushing to an accident scene can immediately relay information to hospital staff, medical units, and response teams. “Time is critical. A single press of a button allows everyone to coordinate instantly,” he explained.
• Transport and Logistics: Fleet managers can broadcast route changes in real time to all drivers during traffic delays or emergencies, improving delivery times and operational efficiency.
• Construction Industry: On busy construction sites, crane operators and ground workers can quickly alert each other to potential hazards, enhancing coordination and improving safety.
Additional use cases include retail operations, private security, hospitality, utilities, and even armed forces applications. Dlamini assured clients that the PoC solution is built on MTN’s highly stable mobile infrastructure.
“The only time this service would go down is if the entire MTN network collapsed, which is extremely rare,” he said. “We pride ourselves on reliability, and this solution reflects our commitment to supporting your mission-critical operations.”
The launch of PoC also marks MTN’s strategic move to deepen its presence in the Internet of Things (IoT) space, aligning with its enterprise strategy of offering solution-based sales rather than traditional telecommunications products.
“Our approach is simple,” Dlamini said. “We sit with you, understand your environment and your challenges, and design solutions that speak directly to your operational needs.”
He emphasized that Push-to-Talk is more than just a product; it reflects MTN’s commitment to innovation, streamlining business processes, and creating long-term value with partners.