Tmcel, a Mozambican mobile operator, faces service disruption in Maputo due to vandalism, affecting customers’ voice and data capabilities. The company reported reduced financial losses in 2023 and is focusing on community vigilance and infrastructure protection. Despite past challenges, investments in network modernization are underway, indicating a strategic improvement for future service reliability.
Mozambican mobile network operator Tmcel reported disruptions in service due to vandalism of equipment in various locations across Maputo. In their statement, the company indicated that customers in areas, including downtown Maputo, Matola, Polana, Alto-Maé, and Malhangalene, are currently without voice and data services as a result. Tmcel has committed to making every effort to restore services promptly and is urging community vigilance to protect their infrastructure.
The operator has emphasized its initiatives to raise awareness within the communities and to collaborate with local authorities to enhance surveillance measures. This proactive approach aims to prevent incidents of vandalism that severely impact service provision. Tmcel reported significant improvement in its financial performance, reducing losses by over fifty percent in 2023, ending with approximately 2,130 million meticais negative net result, compared to nearly 4,333 million meticais in 2022.
As of 2023, the company boasts 1,842,679 active mobile network customers and 27,466 on the fixed network. Tmcel’s performance enhancement strategy follows a revitalization plan instituted by the State Participation Management Institute (IGEPE), the majority shareholder, after intervening to improve company operations. Despite these efforts, Tmcel ended the year with negative equity exceeding 10,122 million meticais, as liabilities outstripped total assets.
Established in December 2018 from the merger of Telecomunicações de Moçambique (TDM) and Moçambique Celular (Mcel), Tmcel was created to establish a single, viable competitor in the telecommunications market. The workforce has seen a decline from 2,054 employees at inception to 1,370 by the end of 2023, illustrating the effects of organizational adjustments following the merger.
The operator also reported considerable advancements in network modernization as part of a project initiated in January 2022, which had languished for nearly ten years prior to this investment. By year-end 2023, Tmcel modernized or activated 966 transmission antennas, enhancing its broadband capacity significantly and expanding global coverage through improved network capabilities.
In conclusion, Tmcel’s recent challenges due to equipment vandalism in Maputo adversely affected customer services. However, the operator has seen improvements in its financial situation and customer base. The implementation of a revitalization plan and continued investments in network modernization reveal a strategic path toward better service provision. Collectively, these initiatives aim to secure the integrity of Tmcel’s infrastructure, ensuring improved service reliability and future growth.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
