There are certain people in this world that you can piss off and others whom you just shouldn't. The MTN Group, it emerged this week, is in danger of getting on the wrong side of the latter group. In this case, the Taliban.
Anyway, MTN says it's monitoring the threats to its Afghanistan operation, after the Taliban demanded the country's four cellular network operators should cease operating their networks between the hours of 5pm and 3am.
Reportedly, the Taliban claimed foreign troops stationed in the country, mainly from Nato nations, were using the cellular networks to track its insurgents throughout the war-torn country.
MTN responded to the threats, saying it is evaluating the situation and liaising with its executives and relevant authorities in Afghanistan. "The MTN Group does not expect this to have a material impact on its operations in Afghanistan. No further details can be made available at this stage."
Nicely put. I wouldn't say anything inflammatory either.
MTN has a history of stepping in the poo, with its "boldly go where no other cell operator has gone before" attitude. Remember Benin? MTN had to fork out almost R500 million for a new operating licence, because Benin president Thomas Boni Yayi felt like buying a new yacht. At least there was no threat to life or limb, in this case.
Not so with the Taliban, I fear to say. So, good luck guys, God bless, hope it all works out.
Your call is important to us...
MTN has a history of stepping in the poo, with its "boldly go where no other cell operator has gone before" attitude.
Martin Czernowalow, news editor, ITWeb
Soon, South Africans will be able to dial 112 - and watch as nothing happens.
Interested parties were given until today to respond to a request for qualification to construct "one or more" Public Emergency Communications Centres for the Department of Communications (DOC).
DOC spokesman Albi Modise says the centres will act as a filter for all emergency calls. People currently have to remember a number of telephone numbers for a range of emergency services, but generally forget these in the heat of the moment.
That's great, but even if I remember to dial 112 when I've accidentally set myself alight, or when some friendly guys rock up to relieve me of my hi-fi, what then? Surely, the 112 call centre effort is commendable, but if cops don't have cars, or - even worse - if there aren't enough cops available, then I'm still screwed.
But I suppose better hold-music will be somewhat of a consolation. "You are number 728 in the queue... Please continue holding..."
Share