South Africa’s largest mobile network operator, MTN, has improved its network availability despite the ongoing power outages that have plagued the country for months. The company said it deployed more than 1,000 batteries and 300 generators to its sites nationwide to ensure uninterrupted customer service.
South Africa has been experiencing frequent and prolonged blackouts since September 2022 due to the aging and poorly maintained infrastructure of the state-owned power utility, Eskom. The power cuts have disrupted businesses, schools, hospitals, and households and affected the telecommunications sector, which relies on electricity to operate its towers and base stations.
MTN said it invested over 300 million rand ($19.8 million) in battery and generator solutions to cope with the power crisis. It also increased its security measures to prevent theft and vandalism of its equipment, which has been a major challenge for the industry.
According to MTN, its network availability improved from 95% in September 2022 to 97.5% in March 2023, despite the increase in load shedding (the term used for scheduled power cuts) from an average of three hours per day to six hours per day.
MTN’s chief technology and information officer, Giovanni Chiarelli, said the company was committed to providing reliable and quality service to its customers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the demand for digital connectivity.
“We are proud of the resilience and performance of our network during these challenging times. We have worked hard to minimize the impact of load shedding on our customers and ensure that they can stay connected to their loved ones, work, study, and access essential services online,” he said.
MTN is not the only mobile network operator that has been affected by the power outages. Its main rivals, Vodacom and Telkom, have also reported network disruptions and increased costs due to load shedding. Both companies have invested in alternative power sources and security measures to protect their infrastructure.
The South African government has acknowledged the severity of the power crisis and has announced several measures to address it, such as allowing more private sector participation in electricity generation, procuring additional power from independent producers, and accelerating the maintenance and repair of Eskom’s power plants.
However, these interventions are expected to take time to yield results, and Eskom has warned that load shedding will continue for at least another year. The power utility has also urged consumers to use electricity sparingly and switch off non-essential appliances during peak hours.
Meanwhile, some South Africans have resorted to using solar panels, gas stoves, candles, and other alternatives to cope with the blackouts. Others have expressed frustration and anger through protests, petitions, and social media campaigns.
Despite the challenges posed by the power outages, MTN said it was optimistic about the future of its business and the country. It said it would continue to invest in its network and offer innovative solutions to its customers.
“We believe South Africa has a bright future, and we are confident that the government and Eskom will overcome this crisis. As MTN, we remain committed to supporting this country’s economic recovery and social development through our services and products,” Chiarelli said.
Source: Reuters
