MTN goes the extra mile to reduce the load-shedding burden in Gauteng

MTN has made tremendous strides in alleviating client frustrations by making significant investments in critical areas.

In March this year, MTN announced an investment of R1.5 billion towards a network resilience programme to ward off the negative impact and frustration caused by power cuts, theft and vandalism and to help enhance network availability and stability over the long term.

With a significant portion of South Africa’s population living in rural areas, MTN is committed to expanding its network to underserved communities and aims to achieve 95% rural broadband coverage by 2025. MTN Group is chasing the same ambition across Africa. The idea is to harness the power and potential of this brand across our key regions.

This investment has resulted in an improvement in network availability in line with international benchmarks despite the ongoing bouts of load-shedding.  It has led to the deployment of  59 new 5G sites in the region in 2023, taking the total to 965 sites. The investment has also  It has gone towards installing additional backup power sources such as batteries and generators and will also ensure increased security features at cell towers, as well as the installation of solar panels

Many can attest to the fact that losing connectivity due to a weak signal or experiencing no service due to load-shedding or vandalism which adversely  affect network availability.

This makes it harder for network users to reach their loved ones, enjoy their favourite shows and keep their  business going.

MTN has committed itself to ensuring that consumers do not experience network disruption by investing in ongoing network resilience and working towards having all network towers off the grid in time so that load-shedding does not affect the quality of the  service.

This reputable telecommunications brand is  very proud that in Gauteng, the  overall network resilience completion rate is set to hit the 100% mark by the end of November. The  continuous modernising of sites, and rollout of new sites, means numerous underserved communities will benefit from the network resilience programme.

The driving purpose is to accelerate digital access for as many South Africans as possible and brighten lives through the power of connectivity.

While network availability during load-shedding was often reduced to 80% in Gauteng, the current resilience completion rate has resulted into network availability improving to between 95 – 98% and this is still improving as the resilience continues.

MTN will continue to play a bold role in accelerating South Africa’s development with the full understanding that extending digital and financial inclusion is more critical than ever, and innovation won’t stop as the brand  drives further progress and significantly enhances access.

From the developments revealed above, it’s clear that MTN wants he opportunities that the digital world offers to be universal, contributing as a positive force for the transformation of individuals, companies, and society.  However, MTN needs  a greater collective effort in the fight against crime and vandalism. Communities must continue to play a proactive role in helping mitigate the effects of site vandalism, especially during load shedding.  Criminals have continued to use the cover of darkness during load-shedding as an opportunity to strike, but the fightback, with the support of diverse  communities in Gauteng has been strong. Communities can  continue to support this drive by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity by calling 083 123 7867 or emailing anonymous@tipoffs.com. Vigilance and unity of purpose translates into progress and stronger communities.