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Harare – The next time you hear an alarm in Zimbabwe, it may not be from a vehicle or bank security system.
In fact, it may be related to theft of telecommunications equipment or infrastructure.
TelOne, which is Zimbabwe’s state-owned sole operator of fixed line phones, is installing alarm systems on its network infrastructure, including cables.There has been an uptick in cases of cable and other equipment thefts in the southern African country, leading to service inefficiencies and faults.
“TelOne would like to advise the public that the installation of alarm systems on TelOne infrastructure including copper cables is in progress in order to protect our telecommunications network,” the company said.
There are an estimated 300 000 users on TelOne’s fixed landline network.The company also offers ADSL broadband internet services and holds a mobile network licence which, according to executives at the company, could now be developed into Zimbabwe’s fourth mobile network.
TelOne further says the alarm system being installed on its network infrastructure and equipment will ensure that “any act of theft or vandalism will be automatically detected” and responded to by reaction teams.
“The project (to set up alarms on telecom infrastructure) is nearing completion with most of our routes already covered. This has resulted in increased arrests resulting in (lengthy) sentences,” said TelOne.Theft of telecommunications equipment, especially cables, is a growing problem for most operators in Africa.Telecom Namibia’s services were this week disturbed for the second time after fibre optic and copper cables were stolen in the Windhoek area on January 12 and January 6 this year.
Vandalism or theft of telecommunication and electricity equipment in Zimbabwe is, however, considered a serious offense.Those caught stealing or vandalising telecom infrastructure are not considered for bail when their cases are taken to court. Meanwhile, convicted offenders are liable for up to ten years imprisonment.
TelOne has complained that it is heavily saddled by non-payment of services by clients, including government departments, ministries and parastatals, with about $100 million outstanding in unpaid bills.
Chipo Mutasa, the managing director of TelOne, said this week that the company had recovered $100m of the nearly $200m it is owed in unpaid bills after engaging debt collectors in 2014.The money recovered from debtors as well as other finance resources from loans already secured will now be used to revamp operations this year.
“Our projects for the year will be focusing on expanding broadband connectivity in the country as well as improvement of our client services systems. The projects will be funded from various sources which include internal TelOne funding and loans secured,” Mutasa said this week.
