MTN loses court case
LINDEN – Cellphone Network provider MTN lost a major court case against a Linden resident who had had enough of what she calls terrible cell reception.
A Linden resident on 20 November won a court case against MTN at the Johannesburg Small Claims Court.
The resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, says for years she has been trying to get MTN to improve her cell reception but never received any assistance, forcing her to install a network booster aerial and take the court route.
The court ruled:
– MTN reimburse the resident for booster installation of R6 600
– Interest of such sum at the rate of 9 per cent per annum from 29 October 2014 to date of payment
-0 Costs of suit
Speaking on behalf of the resident, Bentley Beira said, “it is unfair that they (MTN) make people pay for a service that they do not provide.
According to Beira “the effect of the judgment is that anyone who does not receive what they pay for, in this case proper cell reception, can now install their own booster aerial which MTN, and other cell service providers, will have to pay for.”
On the date set down for the hearing, MTN was not present in court.
“This clearly shows their attitude toward their clients, they just don’t care…they (big corporations) have believed up to now that they can simply ignore the little man and their customers. It is a historic victory,” said Beira.
According to Beira, the resident has received from MTN reference numbers going back years; as well as undertakings both verbally and in writing to resolve the problem to no avail.
Bridget Bhengu, senior manager, PR and communications, MTN SA said, “MTN is not aware of any judgment made against the company by the Small Claims Court.”
According to Bhengu, MTN needs to deploy network infrastructure in order to improve network coverage and quality.
“MTN is required to abide by strict municipal bylaws, including consulting and securing permission from affected residents and comply with health and safety regulations. Over the years, MTN has experienced difficulty in securing permission to set up its network infrastructure from some residential areas, including Northcliff,” she said.
Bhengu added that subsequent to that, MTN began a process of rolling out antennas and purpose-built lamp posts aimed at improving network coverage and quality in the North and West of Johannesburg.
“This process had to be put on hold, pending further consultation with residents. MTN is still committed to providing its subscribers with a world-class network. MTN will continue to engage residents where its network quality is poor to secure their go-ahead to deploy much-needed infrastructure,” she concluded.
