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MTN warns of streaming disruptions

Johannesburg - Watching online video on MTN’s mobile network in coming weeks could be a frustrating experience as the company upgrades its technologies.

MTN says it has invested R10bn in network upgrades to boost connectivity.

Upgrades include the construction of new base stations, re-farming of existing voice spectrum for broadband technology Long Term Evolution (LTE) and stocking up on batteries and generators for base stations.

However, MTN is also updating its Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology, a move that could impact customers’ streaming of video or music on websites.

DPI is a form of filtering technology that examines data parts of network packets. The technology can be used to identify viruses or spam and it even gathers statistical data.

“MTN can confirm that it has a Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology in place,” Eben Albertyn, chief technology officer, MTN SA told Fin24.

“The DPI upgrades that are underway are aimed at increasing capacity and resilience and they entail migrating data from one platform to another.

“During the upgrade, streaming will be affected because traffic flows through this platform. The upgrades will not affect streaming countrywide as each region has its own cluster, and each cluster is being upgraded individually,” Albertyn told Fin24.

MTN said its upgrades are expected to be completed by the beginning of May.

The company added that it has carried out upgrades in KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Centurion in Gauteng this week.

Have you experienced more difficulty of late in streaming online videos or music on MTN's network? Tell us.

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