Telecommunications group MTN South Africa’s extensive investment in its network resilience programme and the strategic deployment of power solutions have improved connectivity, particularly across the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.

This has ensured that customers continue to experience a reliable network amid renewed power loadshedding, power disruptions and ongoing load reduction.

MTN’s accelerated resilience strategy during 2024 achieved a network availability score of over 98%, with the deployment of more than 6 200 new radio access network activities, including modernisation, new site builds, sectorisations and transmission upgrades.

“Our focus has been to ensure that our customers experience uninterrupted connectivity despite the challenges posed by power outages. By integrating a combination of static and portable power solutions with advanced network optimisation, we have been able to significantly reduce downtime and maintain the high standards of service that our customers expect,” explained MTN South Africa network executive Rami Farah.

MTN's approach to network resilience focuses on several key areas, including the deployment of static generators at critical sites to counter the impact of loadshedding and grid instability. These generators provide extended backup power, ensuring uninterrupted service where power outages are frequent.

Investment in high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, which are more efficient and durable than traditional lead-acid alternatives, ensures longer uptime during power disruptions and has saved about 10% of the total generator run hours a day, helping to optimise power use.

MTN has also deployed mobile generator units for swift interventions – ensuring quick restoration of connectivity during unexpected outages – in high-impact areas.

The telecommunications group has also implemented advanced network optimisation techniques, such as software upgrades, energy-efficient equipment and smart load balancing, to boost overall performance.

“The impact of these initiatives is reflected in the latest P3 benchmark results where P3, a global provider of rigorous testing to advanced and well-proven standards that results in clear, consistent benching of mobile operator networks, rated MTN as the Best Network in South Africa,” said Farah, adding that this follows independent global benchmarking organisation umlaut’s rating of MTN as South Africa’s best network in 2024.

Looking ahead, the company plans to improve energy storage capabilities and explore new technologies that enhance network uptime while reducing environmental impact.

“We have embarked on a multi-pronged network optimisation drive to improve network capacity and quality in key nodes to ensure that our customers enjoy not only a seamless network experience but also superior service quality on applications enabled by the MTN network.

“We will be working very closely with our vendor partners to monitor network and service performance around the clock in near real-time, and senior management and regional staff will be on standby to attend to any technical issues that may arise,” Farah continued.

He added that MTN's network team had been diligent over the past months, implementing more technology on MTN's network infrastructure to ensure seamless connectivity for customers.

“Artificial intelligence has been integrated by MTN’s network team, assisting us in identifying key areas where new base stations are required or need to be bolstered to ensure the quality and reliability of the MTN network."

Also at the core of MTN’s network advancements lies the expansion of its 5G network, which now covers more than 44% of South Africa, an increase from 35% at the start of 2024.