MOBILE Telecommunications Network (MTN) has moved up 12 places to the 188th position in the world’s most valuable brand rankings, maintaining its position as Africa’s only company in the Brand Finance Global 500 grading.A statement released yesterday, said improvement in the brand value rankings reaffirms the mobile operator’s growing prominence and continued relevance in the lives of its 164.6 million subscribers across its 22 markets in Africa and the Middle East."We are very pleased with our global ranking accolade. It shines the spotlight on our efforts to grow the MTN brand through differentiated offerings that go beyond merely enabling our subscribers to make a voice call, but to empower them to become active global economic citizens through access to world-class telecommunications services, including data,” Christian de Faria, MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer, said in the statement.Jennifer Roberti, MTN’s Executive for Marketing, describes the recognition as the only African brand in the top 500 Global Brands for two consecutive years as an ‘inspiration.’"We have invested a lot in ensuring that MTN is reflective of our customers and our markets and what makes them so unique and special. From our sponsorship of the 2012 FIFA World Cup to our involvement in community projects in each of our markets, we are proud to connect with our customers in a meaningful way and to be recognised on a global stage,” said Roberti. News of MTN’s global brand rankings comes hot on the heels of the release of the mobile operator’s group results for the period ended December 31, 2011. MTN Group revenue increased by 9.7 per cent to R121, 884 million, while subscribers grew to 164.5 million, representing an increase of 16.2 per cent from 2010. "MTN’s impressive growth numbers, together with our recognition as being among the most valued brands in the world, are a result of the hard work and resourcefulness of the MTN people whose passion for the mobile business and superior customer experience continues to inspire MTN to new global heights every year,” added De Faria.