MTN is pumping R1.5 billion into fighting battery theft and load-shedding at its cellular sites.
MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi says they are accelerating investments in alternative power sources and expect to be completely off-grid at most sites in future.
During the period of regular stage 6 power cuts last year, there was a major escalation of attacks. Tower companies recorded a 250% increase in the loss of generators. He said the nationwide programme aims to ward off the negative impact and frustration caused by power cuts, theft, and vandalism.to invest in backup power and theft-proofing their sites.
“The investment will see us installing solar power, batteries, and generators, and enhancing security features at base stations to ensure improved network availability during load-shedding, when many instances of theft and vandalism occur,” Molapisi said. Over 1,000 vandalism incidents have been recorded during this period in the Eastern Cape, with cable, battery, equipment, and air conditioner theft all on the rise.“Diesel theft, copper, battery and generator theft all mean extended periods of downtime as recovery teams work around the clock to repair the damage and bring in replacement batteries,” Molapisi said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
We tested Vodacom and MTN during load-shedding and there were big problemsMyBroadband has been receiving complaints about network issues relating to Vodacom and MTN during load-shedding.
Read more »
There’s a lot on the line for TelkomRivals MTN and Vodacom have deeper pockets than Telkom and have a head start.
Read more »
MTN budgets R1.5-billion to fight vandals, power cuts - TechCentralMTN South Africa will spend at least R1.5-billion this year as it moves to secure its network against severe load shedding and vandalism.
Read more »
Eskom exits Uganda after achieving 'phenomenal' EAF there - and hopes to finally repatriate profits | BusinessAfter 20 years, Eskom is exiting Uganda – after running two power stations at an average energy availability rate of almost 97%, compared to below 60% in South Africa. | News24_Business
Read more »
JOHN DLUDLU: Ministers must start to sing from the same Eskom hymn sheetBy dismissing corruption, the electricity minister has steered things in an unhelpful direction
Read more »