Tmcel, the Mozambican mobile operator, is facing service outages in Maputo due to vandalism to its equipment. The company has reduced losses significantly in 2023 and is working on improving its infrastructure while asking communities to help protect essential services. Tmcel aims to enhance its performance through a government-supported Revitalization Plan and ongoing modernization efforts.
The Mozambican mobile network operator, Tmcel, has reported widespread disruptions in service across Maputo due to vandalism of essential equipment. The company issued a statement indicating that customers in downtown Maputo, Matola, Polana, Alto-Maé, and Malhangalene are experiencing voice and data outages due to the damages inflicted on sidewalk-installed cabinets containing vital support equipment.
Tmcel is making significant efforts to restore services promptly and has emphasized its commitment to community engagement and collaboration with local authorities to enhance security measures. The operator has called upon citizens to be vigilant and protect the infrastructure to prevent such incidents that severely hinder service delivery.
Despite the recent challenges, Tmcel has successfully reduced losses by over half in 2023, concluding the year with a negative net result of 2.13 billion meticais (approximately 30.5 million euros), a significant reduction from losses of 4.33 billion meticais (about 62.1 million euros) in 2022. The operator currently serves 1.84 million active mobile customers and 27,466 fixed network customers.
The Mozambique government, which holds a 92% stake in Tmcel through the State Participation Management Institute (IGEPE), intervened in March 2023 to enhance the company’s performance and subsequently approved a Revitalization Plan in May.
As of December 31, 2023, Tmcel reported negative equity exceeding 10.12 billion meticais (approximately 145 million euros) and liabilities surpassing its total assets. Founded in December 2018 from the merger of Telecomunicações de Moçambique (TDM) and Moçambique Celular (Mcel), Tmcel aimed to create a unified and competitive telecommunications entity.
The workforce at Tmcel decreased from 2,054 employees at its inception to 1,370 by the end of 2023 due to ongoing restructuring. The company noted progress in modernizing its network infrastructure, with 966 transmission sites upgraded or activated since the modernization project began in January 2022, significantly expanding its broadband capabilities from 10 to 400 gigabits per second (Gbps).
In summary, Tmcel is currently addressing service disruptions in Maputo caused by vandalism. The company is focusing on restoring services promptly and has made substantial progress in reducing losses while enhancing network infrastructure. While the government plays a crucial role in Tmcel’s revitalization, the operator’s commitment to community support and infrastructure protection remains paramount in overcoming these challenges.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
