Mobile networks load-shedding schedule fake, not issued by Operators

Mobile networks load-shedding schedule fake, not issued by Operators

False

Through the General Manager, Corporate Services for MTN Zambia, the Mobile Network Operators clarified that the schedule of network loadshedding is fake and was never issued by any Mobile Network Operators (MNO) and therefore should never be referred to. In addition, the Global System for Mobile Communication Association of Zambia (GSMAZ) Corporate Communications, in a statement stated that they were working with their tower partners, regulators and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions that will cushion the current predicament that the sector is facing with the goal of reducing the downtime that customers are experiencing.

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Verified Jul, 12 2024

Claim

On July 11, 2024, several Facebook pages, WhatsApp groups and other online platforms circulated a post purportedly issued by the three Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), MTN Zambia, Airtel Zambia and Zamtel. The post, titled “Network Loadshedding Management Schedule – 10 July 2024 (Updated)”, claimed the current electricity loadshedding affected the network service of the three mobile service providers in Central and Eastern Provinces. The post triggered mixed public reactions, most of them concerned that the ongoing electricity loadshedding had extended to mobile network operators and would disrupt mobile network services.

Rating Justification

iVerify Zambia has determined as false the post in circulation on social media about a loadshedding management schedule alleged to have been issued by Mobile Network Operators (MNO). iVerify Zambia contacted the three Network providers in writing to ascertain the source of the schedule. In her response, the General Manager, Corporate Services for MTN Zambia, Ms. Pamela C. Pio clarified that the network loadshedding schedule in question was fake as it was not issued by the Mobile Network Operators (MNO) and therefore should never be referred to.

Earlier on July 10, 2024, the Global System for Mobile Communication Association of Zambia (GSMAZ) Corporate Communications, whose membership includes MTN Zambia, Airtel and Zamtel had issued a press statement regarding the effects of electricity loadshedding on the telecommunications sector. The statement mentioned that the Association was working with tower partners, regulators and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions that will cushion the current electricity supply predicament that the sector is facing with the goal of reducing the downtime that customers are experiencing. The Association stated that it would in the interim continue to rely on the existing power back-up solutions while working on medium to long-term resolutions.

The Association assured customers of continued commitment to providing good quality of service.

Evidence and References

Press Statement by the GSMAZ Corporate Communications https://www.facebook.com/mtnzambia/posts/pfbid034fFn5NMJUPBQov3LYvp5Y1KsdUFe6e6gfbzUQHdR8EovewV1Puu7NBkSThFShtNzl

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