MTN network upgrade could cause disruptions

MTN is currently upgrading its vast network across the Kwa-Zulu Natal region in South Africa to improve its service.

MTN subscribers should expect minimal service interruptions as this upgrade gets underway.

The upgrade is due to begin on 11 July 2011 and should start around Shaka’s Rock, covering to outlying areas in Ballito.

The duration of the upgrade will last a few months and will be carried out from 8am to 5pm. It is envisaged that the upgrade work on each site will take between 45 and 60 minutes, and during this period MTN will ensure the least amount of disruption to its customer in the affected areas.

The end result will enable MTN to move towards a layered architecture to meet the growing voice and data demands placed on network infrastructure and prepare the network for the next generation’s demands as well as allow for improved network flexibility.

“MTN’s move towards a Next Generation Network (NGN) is an integral part of the natural evolution of being a mobile operator. We don’t anticipate any loss in coverage but as a responsible organisation we wish to alert our customers should there be any disruption,” says Kanagaratnam Lambotharan, Chief Technology Officer of MTN SA.

While the upgrade work is underway in this region, MTN does not envisage that its customers will be impacted. However, there is the possibility of signal loss for a short period of time during the process.

“MTN has built a highly skilled team to oversee not only this project, but similar ventures throughout its footprint. We are confident that the heavy investment MTN has made in its network expertise will ensure that our customers receive the seamless and quality service they have come to expect from us,” says Lambotharan.

The technology upgrade project, which MTN is embarking on across the country, involves an aggressive re-design and re-architecting of the network, which will optimise the assets and minimise network related frustrations for its customers.

“Once the upgrade project is complete, MTN customers will be the biggest beneficiaries as they will have access to much faster data speeds and a reliable, quality network offering increased capacity and efficiency,” says Lambotharan.

Staff writer