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ZESA blackouts behind nearly 60% of Econet network problems
2 hrs ago |
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Econet Wireless Zimbabwe is rolling out solar power and long-duration battery storage across its network after an Artificial Intelligence (AI) analysis found that power disruptions account for nearly 60 percent of network faults.
The telecommunications giant said prolonged power outages, as well as brief fluctuations lasting only a few seconds, were disrupting base stations, switching centres and data centres.
The disruptions have contributed to dropped calls, slower internet speeds and interruptions to digital services, prompting the company to accelerate its shift towards alternative power sources.
The programme forms part of Econet's broader use of AI to identify the underlying causes of network failures and improve the reliability of its services.
As part of the intervention, the company is installing solar systems and long-duration battery storage to keep critical network infrastructure operational during power outages.
Econet also plans to construct a 100-megawatt solar and battery facility in Harare to supply its switching and data centres.
The company will remain connected to the national grid supplied by ZESA, but grid electricity will increasingly be used as a backup as renewable energy capacity is expanded.
Econet InfraCo chief executive Fayaz King said implementation of the programme was progressing well, with the company targeting a significant reduction in power-related network faults within the next year.
"Work is advancing very well on all fronts, and we expect to have this locked down within six months," King said.
"By this time next year, we expect to have reduced power-related network faults to less than 10 percent."
The telecommunications giant said prolonged power outages, as well as brief fluctuations lasting only a few seconds, were disrupting base stations, switching centres and data centres.
The disruptions have contributed to dropped calls, slower internet speeds and interruptions to digital services, prompting the company to accelerate its shift towards alternative power sources.
The programme forms part of Econet's broader use of AI to identify the underlying causes of network failures and improve the reliability of its services.
As part of the intervention, the company is installing solar systems and long-duration battery storage to keep critical network infrastructure operational during power outages.
Econet also plans to construct a 100-megawatt solar and battery facility in Harare to supply its switching and data centres.
The company will remain connected to the national grid supplied by ZESA, but grid electricity will increasingly be used as a backup as renewable energy capacity is expanded.
Econet InfraCo chief executive Fayaz King said implementation of the programme was progressing well, with the company targeting a significant reduction in power-related network faults within the next year.
"Work is advancing very well on all fronts, and we expect to have this locked down within six months," King said.
"By this time next year, we expect to have reduced power-related network faults to less than 10 percent."
Source - newZWire
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