MTN, Telecel explanation; AirtelTigo’s boast: What telcos have said about current internet outage
Since it was verified on March 14, 2024, that the underwater cables serving the majority of West African countries had been interrupted, internet connection has become a highly relevant problem.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Telecoms Chamber, Ghana’s three telecommunications companies, reported sharp declines in the quality of their data services while simultaneously trying to make vital information available to the general public.
The management of the nation’s telecom service providers—MTN, AirtelTigo, and Telecel—as well as the four subsea cable landing service providers—ACE, MainOne, SAT-3, and WACS—met at a meeting, according to the NCA’s most recent update, dated March 16, 2024.
“The subsea cable landing service providers have indicated an estimated time frame of a minimum of five (5) weeks for full-service restoration from the time the vessels are dispatched to the various locations,” their statement read in part.
But what have the telcos been saying?
STATEMENT: MTN Ghana apologises for internet challenges
March 14, 2024
Customers of Mobile Telecommunications Network (MTN) Ghana have received an apology from the company for the challenges they had contacting its call center and gaining access to data services.
Customers have been reassured by the telecom provider that the problem is being aggressively addressed.
MTN Ghana stated in a statement that problems with its international underwater cables are the cause of the service interruption.
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To quickly fix the issue, the company’s technical staff are working with foreign partners.
“We deeply regret any inconvenience caused and are committed to keeping our subscribers informed as we work towards a resolution,” the statement from MTN Ghana emphasized.
STATEMENT: Telecel Ghana Network upgrade
March 16, 2024
Through SAT3, WACS, ACE, and submerged fiber connections to other global carriers, Telecel Ghana has access to a variety of internet service providers.
Telecel Ghana promptly shifted to ACE in order to sustain service after losing internet capacity provided by WACS undersea cable on March 12, 2024.
Due to a break in their underwater cables, Telecel Ghana’s remaining suppliers, SAT3 and ACE, lost internet service on March 14, 2024. As a result, data services on fixed and mobile networks were interrupted.
Now that more internet capacity has been acquired, Telecel Ghana is steadily increasing it with the help of regional and global partners, including other Telecel companies. This is on top of local caching systems that make some content services like YouTube, Facebook, and Netflix accessible.
Telecel Ghana truly values its customers’ understanding and patience at this time. All clients will have their money back in full.
Please be aware that misleading information regarding Telecel Ghana’s disconnection owing to unpaid payments is making the rounds on social media and need to be ignored.
FACEBOOK POST: AirtelTigo
In comparison to the other two internet service providers, AirtelTigo was the best at the time this report was filed. In their instance, the business has increased sales and data services by utilizing their dependability.
On March 15, 2024, they posted the following on Facebook: “”We are pleased to fill in the void and provide you with connectivity to the best of our abilities. You are welcome to suggest us. Your code for your daily internet and phone deals is *533#.”
