Subscribe

MTN streetlight project still in limbo

Bonnie Tubbs
By Bonnie Tubbs, ITWeb telecoms editor.
Johannesburg, 04 Mar 2015
With pressure to increase network coverage and capacity, MTN has tried turning to alternative solutions, like using lampposts.
With pressure to increase network coverage and capacity, MTN has tried turning to alternative solutions, like using lampposts.

MTN's streetlight base station project - initiated last August to address mobile capacity and coverage shortfalls - is still in limbo as certain residents continue to protest against having base stations on their doorsteps.

MTN SA CEO Ahmad Farroukh says the project, which involves the operator replacing existing lampposts throughout Johannesburg with similar-looking base stations, continues to be met with animosity from certain factions that feel the "upgrades" pose health risks.

Opposition began shortly after MTN kicked off the initiative, causing the work that the operator had begun in the northern suburb of Bryanston to grind to a halt. An opinion piece published in September via Business Day Live at the time highlighted concerns over a lack of public consultation, and the "unsightly and potentially dangerous" nature of the structures that were "inflicted on [residents] literally overnight".

At the time MTN SA's chief technology officer told ITWeb the company was "engaging constructively with residents and stakeholders" for a resolution. According to Farroukh, the project is still in this "engagement phase", although the company has high hope for its future.

"We are still engaging [with the relevant parties] and will get back to the [streetlight initiative], which is a very dynamic solution. It will increase the customer experience to the utmost. You can improve network coverage, but there will always be the odd blind spot and this project is an attractive and easy to deploy solution that is hardly recognisable."

He says concerns that have been raised around radiation are without substance. "There are no theories that prove [base stations are harmful to your health]".

Albertyn said last year that MTN was faced with a mass of consumer complaints, on a regular basis. He said people needed to make the connection between infrastructure and quality of service.

"Everyone wants to make calls that don't drop and be connected at decent speeds, yet many oppose the notion of more base stations. But the law of physics cannot be changed. The only way we can solve network issues is to bring the signal closer to people."

Share