South Africa: Vandalism causes network trouble for mobile users

Two of South Africa’s largest mobile operators have warned their subscribers could experience network problems due to vandalism on their cell towers.

Vodacom and MTN say vandals have been targeting the expensive batteries and diesel fuel used to power the mobile network infrastructure during blackouts. 

South Africa has been suffering from scheduled blackouts for months as its ailing state power firm Eskom struggles to meet demands.  

A spokesperson for Vodacom said in a statement the vandalism has affected mobile service during blackouts. 

MTN South Africa Corporate Affairs Executive Jacqui O’Sullivan said that the firm was forced to shut down 53 cell towers. MTN has also spent 300 million rand ($20m) on batteries and generators. 

Photo: Pixaby