Today’s telecom news includes announcements on floods cripple telecom networks in Mozambique, MTN South Africa, NCC, among others.
Mozambique Floods Cripple Telecom Networks, INCM Deploys Emergency Satellite Links
Mozambique’s telecommunications network has suffered heavy disruption due to ongoing floods during the rainy and cyclonic season, leaving 269 mobile base stations out of service and affecting operators like TMCEL, Vodacom, and Movitel. Gaza Province is especially hard hit, with damaged fiber lines, power cuts, and difficult access slowing repairs. To maintain critical communication, the Communications Regulatory Authority (INCM) has deployed emergency satellite links at disaster response centers, provincial offices, and shelters, and provided satellite phones for rescue and coordination efforts. Free call, SMS, and data packages for affected subscribers have also been coordinated with mobile operators. Technical teams and repair crews are being mobilized to restore connectivity.
MTN’s 4G Lockdown: South African Customers Trapped on Old Routers
MTN South Africa has quietly introduced a new policy from 1 January 2026 that permanently locks SIM cards in fixed wireless customers’ older 4G/LTE routers to those specific devices. This means if an affected SIM is lost or damaged, it cannot be replaced and reused in another router forcing users to buy both a new SIM and compatible device to stay connected. Internet service provider Afrihost, which resells MTN’s home internet products, alerted customers about the rule change and encourages upgrades to 5G routers for better speed, stability, and performance, even on 4G networks.
Nigeria Targets Telecom Giants with ₦12.4 Billion Fines for Poor Service
Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is intensifying enforcement against operators for failing to meet quality-of-service standards, planning to fine companies about ₦12.4 billion (~$8.9 million) for recurring network outages and performance lapses. The push follows a directive from the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, who set a 90-day deadline for penalties to be applied to non-compliant telecom firms. Operators like Globacom, Airtel, and IHS have already faced smaller fines, but major liabilities are now in regulatory processing.
SHAFANA FAZAL