GSMA Urges Action to Protect Telecom Networks Amid Fuel Supply Pressures

The GSMA has called for urgent collaboration between governments, regulators and the telecommunications industry to safeguard mobile networks across Africa as rising fuel costs and supply constraints threaten connectivity.

According to the industry body, mobile connectivity has become essential infrastructure, comparable to water and electricity, supporting critical services such as emergency communications, digital financial services, healthcare, education and everyday economic activity.

The organisation warned that fuel shortages pose a significant risk to network operations, particularly in markets that rely heavily on fuel-powered infrastructure. In regions where digital access remains limited, disruptions to telecom networks could have far-reaching consequences for businesses, public services and efforts to expand digital inclusion.

The GSMA said resilient connectivity is especially important during periods of economic pressure, enabling commerce, digital payments, emergency coordination and remote access to services. Reliable mobile networks also help reduce unnecessary travel and ensure communities remain connected during times of disruption.

To address the challenge, the GSMA has proposed a series of measures for governments and industry stakeholders.

In the short term, the organisation is urging authorities to prioritise fuel access for telecom networks and provide targeted relief where service interruptions are linked to fuel supply constraints.

Over the medium term, it recommends that telecommunications infrastructure be formally recognised as critical national infrastructure. The GSMA also advocates for shared-responsibility models to improve site protection and for greater support for investments in alternative and renewable energy solutions.

For the longer term, the association is calling for telecom energy resilience to be integrated into national digital, energy and security strategies. It argues that such an approach would create a more stable environment for investment while accelerating the transition to sustainable energy sources and reducing reliance on fuel-based power systems.

The GSMA noted that mobile operators are already taking steps to strengthen network resilience through energy-efficiency initiatives, site protection measures and continued infrastructure investment.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to working with governments, regulators and network operators to maintain connectivity, protect digital inclusion gains and support the development of more resilient digital economies across Africa.

//Staff writer