MTN explains network hitches

MTN Rwanda, a telecom service provider has come out to explain reasons behind interruptions in its network in the last few days.

Thursday, March 12, 2009
MTNu2019s Khumalo and his COO, Andrew Rugege at the news conference yesterday. (Photo/ G. Barya).

MTN Rwanda, a telecom service provider has come out to explain reasons behind interruptions in its network in the last few days.

Addressing a news conference at the Company’s head office in Nyarutarama yesterday, the group’s Chief Executive Officer, Themba Khumalo, revealed that the interruptions in the network experienced by subscribers are a result of failure of one of the company’s switches, leading to the glitches.

MTN subscribers began experiencing network failure problems, on Sunday, resulting in them failing to make or receive calls between 2:30pm and 9pm in the evening disrupting several business activities for many.

Following the increased public outcry, the group attempted to restore the network, assuring clients that technicians are working round the clock to have the problem fixed as quickly as possible.

Khumalo however noted that the problem is not countrywide as alleged but only affecting particular parts of the country, which include Eastern parts of Kigali, some parts of the Southern and the Eastern Provinces.

He also clarified that it’s not a problem of increased traffic due to the increase in the number of subscribers, adding that the company has the capacity to handle the current traffic.

Khumalo revealed that MTN-Rwanda will soon upgrade to 3-Generation Technology in order to deliver better services.

He apologised to the subscribers, calling upon them to be patient as they fix the problem which he said would be soon without elaborating the timeframe. He assured that the group will come up with attractive offers as soon as the technical problems are fixed.

MTN is the leading telecommunication company in the country with over 1.3 million subscribers. It has been in the country for the last one decade.

Other operators include Rwandatel and new arrival, Tigo, which is expected to launch soon.

Ends