Extensive load-shedding, combined with the theft of cell tower backup batteries and copper wire, is placing a massive strain on mobile network providers.
MTN says the majority of MTN’S sites have been equipped with battery backup systems to ensure there is enough power on site to run the system for several hours when local power goes out and the mains go down.
“With power outages on the rise, these back-up systems become imperative to keeping South Africa connected and MTN has invested heavily in generators and backup batteries to maintain communication for customers, despite the lack of electrical power,” the operator said in a statement today.
However, according to Jacqui O’Sullivan, Executive: Corporate Affairs, at MTN SA, “The high frequency of the cycles of load shedding meant batteries were unable to fully recharge. They generally have a capacity of six to 12 hours, depending on the site category, and require 12 to 18 hours to recharge.”
An additional challenge is that criminals and criminal syndicates are placing networks across the country at risk. Batteries, which can cost R28 000 per battery and upwards, are sought after on black markets – especially in neighbouring countries.
“Although MTN has improved security and is making strides in limiting instances of theft and vandalism with the assistance of the police, the increase in power outages has made this issue even more pressing,” says O’Sullivan.
Ernest Paul, General Manager: Network Operations at SA’s leading network provider MTN, says the brazen theft of batteries is an industry-wide problem and will require a broader initiative driven by communities, the private sector, police and prosecutors to bring it to a halt.
“Apart from the cost of replacing the stolen batteries and upgrading the broken infrastructure, communities suffer as the network degrades without the back-up power. This is due to the fact that any coverage gaps need to be filled. The situation is even more dire with the rolling power cuts expected due to Eskom load shedding.”
Loss of services and network quality can range from a 2-5km radius to 15km on some sites and affect 5,000 to 20,000 people. On hub sites, network coverage to entire suburbs and regions can be lost.
Click here to read more about efforts to combat copper theft.
“It is an industry problem and it cannot be left to the companies to deal with alone. Although we have improved security and are assisting the police in making arrests, everyone needs to step up and report this before it becomes a bigger problem. While we are making strides in patrolling key sites and helping the police catch criminals, it ultimately needs broader participation.”
Says O’Sullivan: “We understand that this can be a frustrating time for most South Africans. By fitting our towers with these batteries, we are striving to ensure that our customers remain connected with loved ones and can access the various services they need.”
MTN says it has beefed up security significantly and has achieved immense recent successes in the fight against theft and vandalism, but the battle is far from over.
“There is a high cost to customers and the network providers each time a battery is stolen,” says Paul. “We have, for instance, had to spend in the region of R11m to replace batteries at 100 sites in Gauteng. More broadly, we have had to spend R285m on additional infrastructure to fix what was broken.”
Initiatives like the criminal vetting of suppliers is already bearing fruit. MTN also plans to have full detection and monitoring on all base transceiver station (BTS) sites by May this year, which will bring about full monitoring and protection.
“However, everyone out there needs to help in the fight – if you know something then tell us or the police,” says Paul.
This could entail seeing “something fishy” on a site when travelling past a tower. Potential buyers for batteries in commercial use should make sure they know the origin of what they are buying, he says.
“If someone is installing a battery commercially then ask where it comes from. If it potentially has any markings or may look used and doesn’t physically come out of a sealed box, then it could be suspicious. Don’t buy batteries if not supplied by a reputable supplier. We often find criminals selling these batteries on social media platforms like Facebook.”
Cellphone tower batteries are often black, with a red trim on top, as depicted in the accompanying picture. Other batteries in use are mainly red in colour with a small black trim but the black or grey lead acid 12V battery in the next picture is one to watch out for as it is a popular target for syndicates because it can be used to power household appliances like televisions or microwave ovens. While most household equipment won’t work on a 48-volt Lithium ion battery, 48-12-volt convertors are being used.
Says Paul: “This is an opportunistic crime and many of these batteries seem to leave the country – which is interesting as it means criminals in other countries are choosing not to steal from their own networks. We are making inroads through a lot of interventions, but everyone has a role to play. With further Eskom power cuts likely in the future, it is time we all tried to cut out the scourge of battery theft.”
O’Sullivan says MTN has prioritised battery theft at a national level.
“Tasks teams have been deployed and support and maintenance crews are working additional shifts to restore connectivity as quickly as possible. We are making inroads through a lot of interventions, but we encourage members of the public to report any suspicious behaviour or activity as it relates to battery theft.”
Efforts to address the issue through harsher sentences for copper theft and amendments to the Second-Hand Goods Act, to regulate buying and selling of copper, appear to have had little impact. Such efforts require more active policing, which is a challenge in its own right.