Airtel admits facing network challenges

Mobile phone network provider, Airtel Malawi, has admitted facing challenges in their ongoing network upgrade exercise, which have compromised service delivery to subscribers.

Airtel subscribers claim the company’s services have been erratic since August. The services include dropped calls, no network availability and slow Internet among others.

Airtel Managing Director, Charles Kamoto, acknowledged that the development is frustrating for customers using the company’s network but said Airtel engineers are working around the clock to finalise the upgrade.

“Bear with us a little longer as we continue to work around the clock to improve your experiences. I would like to thank you all for your unwavering support, patience and understanding rendered to us throughout this period.

“We truly do not take it for granted and I can assure you that we are almost through and very soon your experience on the Airtel network will be great again,” Kamoto said.

He further said the network upgrade is the largest project the company has ever undertaken since its establishment in Malawi.

Kamoto said the exercise includes replacing of old equipment with the latest equipment and technology on all Airtel towers.

“It has definitely not been easy as we consequently had to stop expansion of the exercise to the rest of the country in order to rectify some unforeseen system issues that erupted in the initial phase, including Lilongwe, Blantyre and Mzuzu,” he said.

Airtel has been upgrading its network infrastructure since May this year.