MTN has opened its state-of-the-art Digital Experience Centre, located in Morningside at the corner of Rivonia and Summit Road in Sandton.

MTN

The mobile network says this cutting edge retail space sets a new benchmark as it is designed to provide a futuristic, interactive journey for customers that will showcase the latest innovations in digital communications and connectivity.

Mmenyana Ranku, General Manager: Branded Retail Channel at MTN South Africa say the new experience centre addresses a growing need for consumers to fully understand the advanced capabilities of their mobile devices and the underlying infrastructure that powers modern communication.

The store features various zones for customers to experience, such as a walk-in customer centre, 7 interactive touchscreen pods, a game launch centre, connected home room, meeting rooms for Enterprise Business Unit clients, a talk studio for EBU showcases, 2 private service rooms, mini conference room and more.

It is also an eco-friendly design with minimal paperwork, recycling bins and the use of paper bags to reflect MTN’s sustainability commitments.

The goal is to become a digital-only store with an emphasis on self-service solutions.

“We believe that to remain relevant, we must continuously adapt and create experiences that reflect how technology is becoming an essential part of everyday life,” says Ranku.

“Every aspect is designed to inspire exploration, delivering a personalised journey with immersive product demonstrations and tailored recommendations,” she says.

One of the main focus areas of the Experience Centre is interaction.

Interactive zones for the smart home

At the heart of the Centre is its focus on interaction. Customers are invited to explore and interact with a range of devices and services, utilising self-service kiosks to discover MTN’s offerings at their convenience.

The Centre’s interactive zones highlight MTN’s technological excellence. In the Connected Home Area, MTN’s 5G technology takes centre stage, demonstrating its ability to power smart home devices such as security systems, automated lighting, and kitchen appliances.

The six zones of the Connected Home illustrate the seamless interconnectivity of devices and appliances, creating an innovative ecosystem designed to elevate lifestyles.

Gaming and the latest devices

The Gaming Area highlights MTN’s network capabilities through PS5 gaming stations where customers can experience MTN’s speed and connectivity when playing games like FIFA or Fortnite.

Through a partnership with Mettlestate, MTN has introduced gaming tournaments where customers can compete for prizes on a regular basis.

Customers can also experience the latest mobile devices and gadgets from leading brands such as Apple, Oppo, Vivo, Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei, where each brand has their own “store-in-store” experience showcasing all products.

The manufacturers also offer pre- and after-sales support with experts on hand to assist customers.

Interesting to note, the Experience Centre is home to Vivo’s first ever experience zone in Africa. It is one of the top 5 global smartphone brands.

The Centre includes a Talk Studio, a dedicated space for hosting small events, featuring an intelligent screen that displays AI-generated content. This area offers visitors a preview of the future of AI and its transformative impact on communications.

A focus on business customers

For businesses and entrepreneurs, the MTN Experience Centre provides a detailed showcase of services tailored to boost productivity and connectivity, such as:

  • Unified Communications and Collaboration (UCC): MTN’s UCC suite offers businesses advanced voice, video conferencing, messaging, file sharing, and collaboration tools across devices and platforms.
  • Cloud Services: From hosting applications and infrastructure to offering cloud backup and recovery, MTN’s cloud services help businesses protect their data and ensure continuity in case of cyber threats or disasters.
  • The Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities also allow real-time monitoring and management of IoT devices for enhanced business operations.
  • MTN Private Networks: Offering businesses more control over their digital infrastructure, with secure dedicated network solution that ensures better performance, reliability, and security.
  • Managed Security Services: With MTN’s Managed Security suite, businesses can safeguard their digital assets and networks from cyber threats, benefiting from advanced protection and real-time monitoring.

And last but not least, there is a state-of-the-art boardroom for meetings with clients who want to learn more about featured services and solutions MTN has to offer businesses.

Experience Centre Features

  • Walk-in Centre: A space for customer inquiries and support, designed for maximum convenience.
  • Meeting Room for EBU Customers: A professional space dedicated to discussions with Enterprise Business Unit clients.
  • 7 Interactive Touchscreen Pods: These allow visitors to explore MTN’s full range of services and products through digital interaction.
  • Talk Studio for EBU Showcases: A modern presentation area designed for MTN’s enterprise solutions and service showcases.
  • Full-Service Centre: Offering a variety of services across 5 kiosks, catering to customer needs.
  • 2 Private Service Rooms: Ensuring a personalised and discrete service experience for customers.
  • Self-Service Centre: Empowering customers to manage their accounts and resolve queries independently.
  • 6 OEM Stalls: Store-in-store setups for leading handset manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung, OPPO, and Huawei.
  • Game Launch Area: A dedicated space for gaming and showcasing MTN’s digital entertainment services.
  • Connected Home Room: Featuring MTN’s Internet of Things (IoT) products that offer smart home solutions.
  • Mini-Conference Room: Available for hosting MTN product launches and internal events.

“The MTN Experience Centre is more than just a store—it’s a celebration of mobile technology and a window into the future of connectivity,” says Ranku. “It embodies our commitment to pushing boundaries and offering customers an unmatched experience where technology truly comes to life.”

This article is sponsored by MTN