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MTN South Africa says it has implemented optimization plans to ensure stability and high-quality network connectivity during the holiday season, while the operator is working on strategies to improve the network infrastructure even further in 2021.
He said that with the Covid-19 surge in demand for network services, the group’s network managed to accommodate a 60% increase in traffic during the lockdown, while optimizing against load shedding and energy reductions thereto. weather.
He said that while the much-needed spectrum auction was delayed again, temporary spectrum was successfully leveraged to fill the gap by deploying 4G and 5G technologies in the 700/800, 2.6 and 3.5GHz bands.
Highlights in 2020 to date have included the launch of MTN’s 5G network in June and the implementation of a new 360 plan security model, which led to a significant 49% reduction in related theft and vandalism incidents. with batteries from the previous year, MTN said. .
Recorded incidents of theft and vandalism decreased from 2,195 in 2019 to 1,115 year-to-date in 2020.
“This reduction in incidents resulted in a 45% reduction in actual battery losses during the year, from 13,066 to 7,150 from 2019 to 2020 respectively,” said Ernest Paul, GM: MTN Network Operations.
“We are pleased to have made significant progress in 2020 and we continue to implement measures to safeguard our network and infrastructure to ensure that customers continue to enjoy uninterrupted network connectivity at all times.
“Connectivity has permeated every aspect of our lives and unplanned network outages are not only disruptive, but also undermine ongoing initiatives to attract investment to South Africa and create much-needed job opportunities.”
Tackling theft head-on
“Our 360 plan security model stands out as a key turning point. It is an industry first in security services design, modeled around a managed services approach, compared to traditional resource-based models, ”said Paul.
The plan incorporates Secure Deployments, Epoxy, Bluetooth Blocking Devices, Security Intrusion and Video Surveillance, and the Authorization and Authentication Access Control System that will soon be implemented in smart devices.
“It has been further strengthened with the focus on Physical Security of the Managed Service of the National Operations Center, which is the heart of the entire Plan 360. To this is added the tactical intervention and armed response, intelligence and investigations, special operations and air support, to name a few, ”said Paul.
Results for the fourth quarter of 2020 showed 153 stolen battery incidents recorded, up from 292 in the previous quarter and up to 472 in the first quarter of the year. Compared to the previous year, the drop is even more drastic: 432 battery incidents were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2019, and up to 630 were seen in the first quarter of 2019, the operator said.
This success is also reflected in a reduction in the total number of stolen batteries: 837 in the fourth quarter of 2020 from 1,920 in the previous quarter and compared to 3,482 in the first quarter of 2019.
“Even better news is the recovery rate, which is increasing strongly. By November 2020, a total of 191 batteries, 5 seized vehicles, and a total of 19 suspects arrested and charged in accordance with the Criminal Matters Amendment Act (CMA) were recovered, ”MTN said.
Other successes in the year to date include 240 arrests and a total of 857 lead acid batteries recovered along with 401 lithium batteries. Added to this is the recovery of 80 copper network cables.
Maintaining a complete digital life
The launch of OpenTime was a key achievement for 2020, made possible by the ability of the MTN network to maintain quality user experiences in the face of increased demand.
“MTN’s primary goal this year was to ensure that more people could stay connected to loved ones, information, education, and the full digital life during the harsh months of the lockdown and beyond. OpenTime was a key enabler of digital access to more than 350 health, education and work related websites to stay connected, even when there is no data, ”said Paul.
MTN’s June 5G launch gave users the ability to stay in touch with the latest global technology advancements. After intensive testing, MTN launched in all three band tiers in the low / mid and high bands and covers more than 100 sites.
“This added an additional layer to our services, opening the door to a world of new opportunities and ensuring that our users are at the forefront of the latest technology. It included both static and dynamic spectrum implementations, ”said Paul.
High speed connection
MTN saw its LTE population coverage reach 96% during the year, while the operator also launched an integrated SIM (eSIM) for devices such as Apple iPhone XR / 11/12, Apple Watch, Samsung Note20 / S20 and Samsung watch.
Going forward, major routes for network optimization have been identified during the Christmas season, with new base stations and technology upgrades implemented on select 3G and LTE stations. Mobile base stations will also be deployed as needed, where demand exceeds capacity, MTN said.
“Plans for the new year include continuing the RAN / IP / TX modernization programs, participating in the high-demand spectrum auction, focusing more on the newly established MVNO division, and increasing 5G deployment if successful in the auction, ”said Paul.
“The main impulse is to make an investment of one billion euros in the entire network.”
Read: Vodacom launches 5G network in KZN
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