Support for the alternative open source mobile OS developed by Linux shop Ubuntu increased this week as pan-African carrier MTN Group signed up to the cause.

Canonical announced that MTN has joined the Ubuntu Carrier Advisory Group, bringing another 21 countries across the African region into the fold.

Pieter Verkade, Chief Commercial Officer at MTN said: “Today’s phones are so much more than just telephones and Ubuntu will be able to meet needs of operators and handset manufacturers looking to take advantage of the latest technology and cutting costs.”

Ubuntu parent and open source software developer Canonical established the Carrier Advisory Group for its Ubuntu smartphone OS last month. The group is led by David Wood, a former Psion engineer and one of the founder members of the original Symbian collaboration.

A number of large operators, including China Unicom, LG UPlus, SK Telecom and Korea Telecom from Asia Pacific and Deutsche Telekom, EE, Telecom Italia and Portugal Telecom from Europe have already signed up.

AfricaCom takes place 12 -14 November 2013: CTICC Cape Town, South Africa

Any national or multinational carrier is welcome to join the CAG but the group will close to new members at the end of July.

The smartphone version of the OS, Ubuntu Touch, may be ready for release in the late summer or autumn.