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4November 2023
MTN South Africa demonstrates exceptional progress in network resilience amidst loadshedding challenges, but theft and vandalism remain a concern.
Following the announcement of a R4.5 to R5 billion investment into its network to keep customers connected during the loadshedding crisis, MTN South Africa has achieved significant milestones, including the deployment of more than 20 000 batteries, 5 000 rectifiers and almost 900 generators to sites across the country.
All this has been achieved amidst the ongoing loadshedding crisis exacerbating theft and vandalism issues which continue to plague not only MTN but all South Africans.
MTN SA CEO Charles Molapisi said, “While there was a brief respite in the second quarter of 2023 with a reduction in loadshedding compared to the first quarter, power outages continued to pose a significant challenge to our operations. During the first half of 2022, there were 68 days with load shedding, but this figure nearly tripled to 181 days in that same period this year”.
While announcing this increased network resilience data, Molapisi issued a word of warning that theft and vandalism remain a concern.
Molapisi said, loadshedding heightens the vulnerability of cellphone towers to acts of vandalism as criminals often exploit the cover of darkness during these outages to target network sites. The equipment installed at these cellphone towers, including copper cables, batteries, air conditioners, and generators, is highly coveted by criminals, who inflict significant damage on network infrastructure, leading to tower malfunctions and disruptions.
“While we are doing well on all fronts in shoring up our network resilience during periods of loadshedding, and particularly during the higher stages, the criminal activity continues to inflict deteriorated network experiences on our valued customers”, says Molapisi.
“But looking at recent figures we are seeing a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.
The MTN SA network team, together with its network partners, have been working seven days a week to ensure customers can stay connected during bouts of loadshedding. In August alone, MTN had completed in the region of 2 000 site enhancements, surpassing set targets. With new site enhancements coming on board almost daily, to date, more than 5 000 sites have been successfully upgraded.
As a result of this ongoing investment, the telecommunications company reported a network availability of 90.4% in August of 2023, vs. 88% the previous month.
This follows steady increases in network availability throughout 2023, brought about by concerted resilience interventions. In May of this year, South Africans experienced 29 days of Stage 5 and 6 loadshedding, whereas in 2022 loadshedding never increased beyond Stage 3 in the same period. Despite the extremes experienced in May, MTN was able to report improved network resilience.
One of the key initiatives contributing to the remarkable improvement in MTN’s network availability has been rolling out a comprehensive national resilience programme in key regions, including Johannesburg, the Western Cape, Tshwane, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and the Central region. This programme encompasses several infrastructure enhancements such as battery upgrades, rectifier swaps, backup generator installations, and site security measures to safeguard both active and passive infrastructure.
“It’s an ongoing battle, but one that we’re committed to winning as we fight to provide our customers with a reliable and resilient network. Our efforts and the results we’re seeing underscore our dedication to ensuring uninterrupted connectivity, even in the face of loadshedding challenges, to ensure that all can share in the benefits of a modern connected life”, concludes Molapisi.
-End-
ISSUED BY:
Leigh-Ann Chetty, Senior Manager: Public Relations, MTN SA
Cell: 083 209 1310
E-mail: Leigh-Ann.Chetty@mtn.com
Mthokozisi Ndlovu, Manager: Communications and Public Relations, MTN SA
Cell: 083 209 2683
E-mail: Mthokozisi.Ndlovu@mtn.com
About the MTN South Africa
Launched in 1994, MTN South Africa is a subsidiary of MTN Group, a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code àMTNá. Our strategy is Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africaás progress.
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