from DION HENRICK in Cape Town
CAPE TOWN – MTN South Africa has hailed its investment of R1,5 billion (US$78,3 million) in averting power cuts (load shedding), theft and vandalism.

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The investment is also meant to enhance network availability and stability over the long-term.

The operator announced the investment in March, at the height of load shedding.

MTN said the investment had resulted in an improvement in network availability in line with international benchmarks despite the ongoing bouts of power cuts.

The investment has seen the company deploying additional sites and doubling its 5G sites in the province.

“Our purpose is to accelerate digital access for as many South Africans as possible and brighten lives through the power of connectivity,” said Paul Newman, General Manager for MTN in the Western Cape.

He revealed that in the province, overall network resilience completion rate is at 90 percent.

It will be 93 percent at the end of October.

MTN forecast 97 percent resilience completed by the end of November.

In the Western Cape, numerous underserved communities are benefiting from the network resilience programme with more sites expected to be modernised in the coming months.

“MTN will continue to play a bold role in accelerating South Africa’s development,” Newman said.

“We know that extending digital and financial inclusion is more critical than ever, and innovation won’t stop as we drive further progress and significantly enhance access from here.”

– CAJ News