Tmcel, a Mozambican mobile operator, has experienced service disruptions due to vandalism in Maputo. The company is focusing on enhancing awareness and collaboration to prevent such incidents. Financial reports reveal a significant reduction in losses, demonstrating operational improvements and modernization efforts. Tmcel continues to work on expanding its services and upgrading its infrastructure.
Mozambican mobile network operator Tmcel has reported vandalism of its equipment in various locations across Maputo, resulting in disrupted voice and data services for its customers. The company stated that cabinets located on sidewalks, which house critical support equipment, were targeted, affecting areas such as downtown Maputo, Matola, Polana, Alto-Maé, and Malhangalene. Tmcel is actively working towards restoring services promptly after this incident.
In its efforts to combat such vandalism, Tmcel has emphasized the importance of community awareness and collaboration with local authorities to improve surveillance of the infrastructure. The operator has invited citizens to remain vigilant and assist in protecting these essential facilities, which are crucial for service provision.
Despite recent challenges, Tmcel has notably reduced its financial losses by over half in 2023, concluding the financial year with a net result of negative 2,130 million meticais (approximately 30.5 million euros). This improvement follows substantial losses of 4,333 million meticais (62.1 million euros) in 2022, with the operator now serving 1,842,679 active mobile customers and 27,466 fixed network customers.
The majority shareholder, the State Participation Management Institute (IGEPE), intervened in Tmcel in March 2023 to enhance its operational performance, resulting in the approval of a Revitalization Plan two months later. By December 31, 2023, Tmcel was facing negative equity of over 10,122 million meticais (145 million euros) and liabilities exceeding its total assets.
Founded in December 2018 through the merger of Telecomunicações de Moçambique (TDM) and Moçambique Celular (Mcel), Tmcel aimed to create a unified, competitive market entity. Initially, the company employed 2,054 staff members, but the workforce has decreased to 1,370 by the end of 2023 due to restructuring.
As part of its modernization and expansion project initiated in January 2022, Tmcel successfully modernized or activated 966 transmission antennas out of a planned 1,077 by the project’s completion. This significant upgrade increased broadband coverage from 10 to 400 gigabits per second and extended the mobile network’s global coverage.
In conclusion, Tmcel’s recent challenges stem from vandalism affecting service delivery in Maputo, prompting efforts to enhance community awareness and infrastructure protection. The company’s financial performance has improved significantly, reflecting positive operational adjustments and a commitment to modernization. Through strategic interventions and upgrades, Tmcel aims to strengthen its position in the Mozambican telecommunications market while continuing to expand its service offerings.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
