REGULATOR GAVE DIRECTIVE TO SHUT DOWN NETWORK - MTN

MBABANE – It seems the Acting Prime Minister (APM) was allegedly not  truthful when addressing the nation on the ongoing disruptions to the network in the country.

What the APM said in his speech, specifically on the network disruptions in the country, during the press conference held on Thursday at the Cabinet Offices, is not collaborating with a statement that had been issued by MTN Group with regards to the matter. In his speech, the APM said since the protests began in the country, all that had been happening resulted to a lot of damage to the infrastructure. He said the telecommunications sector was not spared from the damage, hence the network disruptions and the Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology was working around the clock to have the network restored as they are the responsible ministry for anything that has to do with communications. This was when a Times journalist asked him specifically on the network shutdown. “The same thing applies with issues of water, if there is any matter of urgency on that sector, we employ the responsible ministry to sort it out hence we have employed the ICT Ministry to work on restoring the network disruptions,” he said.

Directive

However, a statement from the service provider is singing a different tune. It confirms that MTN Eswatini, along with other operators allegedly received a directive from the Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) to suspend access to social media and online platforms until otherwise informed. The statement was confirmed by MTN Group Executive Corporate Affairs Nompilo Morafa.

Directive

It communicates that after assessing the request, and in compliance with MTN’s licence conditions and in accordance with MTN’s group-wide Digital Human Rights due diligence framework, MTN Eswatini has implemented the directive. “MTN Eswatini will continue engaging with the relevant stakeholders to limit the duration of the service disruption,” reads the statement. Morafa also confirmed reports that the matter was now in court but she did not have much detail on it as she was only updated yesterday. When reached for comment on the matter, ESCCOM Director Lindiwe Dlamini said she had not been at work for a few days and she was not aware of the latest developments regarding the network disruptions in the country.

Disruptions

Government Spokesperson Sabelo Dlamini said government was in no position to respond to the matter as it was currently in court. The network disruptions have led to a communication barrier at a time when everyone is anxious and some even shattered by the ongoing protests that have left a trail of destruction and loss of life in the country. People were using social media to get updates on what was happening, which places were safer to travel at and those that were not safe.

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