Africa’s largest telecom operator, MTN has launched an on-demand motorbike delivery service, Shesh@5G, designed to deliver SIM cards and internet devices to customers’ doorsteps within two hours. The initiative is currently live in parts of Johannesburg, South Africa, positioning MTN at the forefront of telecom-logistics convergence on the continent.
The Shesh@5G service is designed to simplify access to MTN’s 5G products by eliminating traditional waiting periods and physical retail visits. Instead, customers can order SIM cards or home internet kits online or through a call centre and have them delivered swiftly by MTN-branded couriers. According to the company, the goal is to provide a seamless and immediate connection experience for new and existing users.
In Nigeria, the service aligns with MTN’s broader push to expand the adoption of its 5G network, which it launched in key cities in 2022. The company’s recent initiatives, including a 5G digital experience centre in Abuja, reflect its investment in deepening digital access and showcasing real-world use cases of fifth-generation connectivity. Shesh@5G complements this strategy by addressing one of the most critical bottlenecks in telecom service delivery, which is last-mile distribution.
In South Africa, the service builds on the success of MTN’s March 2025 launch of Shesh@5G Home Internet packages, which offer ultra-fast connectivity for under R400 per month. Tania Ladopoulou, General Manager for Online and Telesales at MTN South Africa, described the service as a game-changer for customers seeking convenience, speed, and reliable connectivity. She added that MTN’s expansion into motorbike logistics was driven by a strong commitment to customer experience and innovation.
Although MTN is not the first telco to explore logistics-enabled service delivery, its aggressive rollout of Shesh@5G represents a notable shift in the industry. By integrating logistics directly into its telecom operations, the telco is effectively transforming itself into a hybrid tech-telecom company, capable of delivering both digital and physical services at scale.
The move also comes amid a broader trend of telecom companies entering adjacent verticals to capture more value and respond to changing consumer behaviour. As mobile internet penetration deepens across Africa, seamless access to hardware and connectivity services is becoming a competitive differentiator. MTN’s investment in rapid last-mile fulfilment could set a precedent for similar initiatives by other telcos looking to deepen customer loyalty and grow market share.
Shesh@5G’s promise of doorstep delivery within two hours is bold, particularly in congested urban centres. Yet, if MTN can maintain consistency in execution, it could redefine customer expectations for telecom service delivery across the continent. As the pilot phase unfolds in South Africa, industry watchers will be closely observing the impact on adoption rates, operational efficiency, and long-term customer satisfaction.
