The company says the destruction of critical network equipment is undermining service delivery and hindering development.

MTN Group Chief Executive Officer Charles Molapisi made the appeal during a briefing to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies. Mobile network operators had been invited to update the committee on issues relating to universal connectivity and efforts to reduce the cost of communication.

Molapisi stressed that the growing incidents of vandalism across the country posed a serious threat to mobile network operations and continuity of services, especially in areas most in need of digital connectivity.

“We would like help. This level of vandalism destroys service continuity in many areas,” said Molapisi. “I believe other mobile network operators will agree. If there is an area to plead for support, it is the understanding of the committee on the importance of security in the country and its implications on the network.”

He warned that the ongoing destruction of infrastructure not only compromises essential communications but also stalls national progress in expanding digital access and lowering data costs.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--