Government Urges Telecom Operators to Expand Rural Coverage Before Election
JUBA — Caretaker ICT minister Ateny Wek Ateny met MTN, Zain and Digitel on 6 October and urged them to extend coverage to underserved communities as December elections approach. The state broadcaster reported the meeting; One Citizen Daily described the election-related appeal.
No location list, tower target, budget or delivery deadline was announced. MTN chief executive Mapula Bodibe pledged cooperation, but that is not a completed coverage expansion. Communities should be told precisely which sites will be connected and when.
What to verify
South Sudan Press is seeking a written plan from the ministry, the National Communications Authority and each operator: target counties, spectrum and tower arrangements, power supply, financing and independent coverage tests. Coverage before polling day should be measured in working calls and data sessions in communities, not only announced projects.