Alma residents to be reconnected to mobile network

Talks between the Modimolle-Mookgophong Municipality and two major network providers, Vodacom and MTN, are yielding positive results, with Alma residents on the verge of being connected again.

The community of Alma was dealt a heavy blow when a Telkom cellular mast tipped over during bad weather last year.

Modimolle-Mookgophong Local Municipality Speaker, Dingaan Motshwene said this affected connectivity as Vodacom, MTN and Cell C all made use of this tower to provide their clients with network services.

“The municipality installed free wifi at its building in Alma, in an attempt to help the community, but nine months later there are still signal problems,” he said.

Motswene approached Vodacom, MTN and Telkom to seek a solution.

According to Motshwene, Vodacom indicated that they are in the process of constructing a cellular mast in Shambala, a project which will be followed by a construction of another one in Alma, to
provide full Vodacom network coverage to the area.

“This process will take at least five months to complete,” he said.

The other good news for the community of Alma is that the municipality has already approved MTN’s request for the construction and operation of a telecommunication lattice mast and station, on
Portion 1 of Farm Boekenhout which will cover the whole Alma area.

“As we liaise with MTN and Vodacom we will keep the community updated on the progress made,” Motshwene said.

— The BEAT