MTN Ghana has identified fibre cuts, largely linked to road construction activity, as a leading cause of network disruptions in the Western and Central regions.
Prince Owusu Nyarko, the company’s Senior Manager for Sales for the Western and Central Regions, discussed the issue at an MTN Editors’ and Stakeholders Forum held in the Western Region, according to 3News.
He said construction work can damage underground fibre infrastructure when network routes are not adequately considered during project planning and execution. MTN is therefore urging closer cooperation between contractors, road agencies and telecommunications operators to reduce such incidents.
Mr Nyarko said the company works with bodies including the Department of Urban Roads and the Ghana Highways Authority on construction projects that may affect its network. For major road works, he said, agencies provide engineering maps showing where planned works will take place.
This allows MTN to assess the likely impact on its fibre routes and relocate relevant sections of the network before excavation begins, he said. According to Mr Nyarko, the arrangement has helped reduce the frequency of fibre cuts and improve service reliability in the two regions.
Fibre networks carry data between network sites and other telecommunications infrastructure. Damage to these connections can affect mobile, internet and related services until repairs are completed.
Customer fraud warning
At the same forum, MTN also advised customers to be alert to mobile fraud. Mr Nyarko urged subscribers not to share their Mobile Money PINs or other personal security information with others.
He further cautioned customers against opening suspicious links from unknown senders. Customers who believe they have encountered fraudulent activity were advised to report it through MTN customer care on 419 or 100.
