Load-shedding implemented by State-owned electricity utility Eskom is having a considerable impact on telecommunications giant MTN’s ability to maintain network stability.

This is further exacerbated by ongoing battery theft and vandalism.

Network operators are fighting hard to maintain network stability in the face of the multiple threats posed by high levels of load-shedding, battery theft and the continuous vandalism of network infrastructure, says MTN South Africa network operations GM Ernest Paul.

“Although the vandals and thieves have a direct impact on network availability and stability, load-shedding and load reduction, which have increased over the past five years, have emerged as the biggest contributors to our challenges.”

Load-shedding places network availability under increased strain as the battery backup system generally takes 12 to 18 hours to recharge, while batteries generally have a capacity of six to 12 hours, depending on the site category.

“Constant outages have a direct impact on the performance of the batteries, while theft of the batteries themselves means replacements need to be installed,” he explains, adding that battery autonomy remains one of the biggest pillars of resilience, followed by infrastructure security to protect the batteries and other equipment that form part of the group’s network infrastructure.

Further, he notes that the power outages enable criminals and criminal syndicates easier access to the infrastructure under the cover of darkness.

“The latest data shows that the total incidents of theft and vandalism of MTN infrastructure amounted to 378 in May, up from 312 in April. The most significant improvement has occurred in the reduction in battery theft, which is down to 52 incidents in May this year, compared with as many as 78 incidents in May 2020.”

However, copper theft is on the rise, with 94 incidents recorded in May, up from 63 incidents a year ago.

In an effort to mitigate these risks, MTN has implemented a number of initiatives to ensure greater network resilience.

“Increased security and vigilance have reduced the theft and vandalism of network equipment and infrastructure during the early part of 2021 in regions like Gauteng and Tshwane, which have traditionally been the hardest hit areas. “However, this has been countered by increases in other regions, higher incidents of perimeter breaches and copper cable theft.

“A notable surge in total incidents has occurred in the Eastern Cape, which measured 76 in May, compared with only 32 this time last year. Limpopo has registered the highest number of incidents of 83 in May, and this is up significantly from the 43 incidents of a year ago. At the same time, this is the first time South Africa has experienced this level of load-shedding in June, compared with any other year,” he continues.

One of MTN’s aggressive plans is the deployment of batteries to mitigate power outages risks.

“In parallel, we are also rolling out battery safes, as well as enhanced security access to our sites to reduce theft through vandalism. These activities started late last year, and we are continuing aggressively this year. It is a long process, owing to logistics and other technical challenges such as activation of tracking devices on batteries,” says Paul.

“We have, however, seen a significant improvement so far and we have found ourselves in a better position during the current rounds of load-shedding.”

MTN has also sourced additional generators to support existing infrastructure and site output is being managed to further enhance efficiencies.

Regional “war rooms” have been established to ensure an hour-by-hour account of systems to keep customers connected, while enhanced high-tech and on-the-ground security measures are beginning to make life harder for criminals hoping to get away with battery theft, cable theft and vandalism at cell tower base stations.

However, Paul says the industry is not out of the woods yet.