NATO Deploys Ships to Protect Underwater Communication Cables; Zimbabwean Internet Service Providers Familiar with the Struggle
In Zimbabwe, the vandalism and destruction of telecommunications infrastructure have been causing significant disruptions and financial losses for Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Base stations raids have resulted in missed connections, such as Zoom meetings, underscoring the importance of these networks in our daily lives.
According to ISPs, community support and public awareness are crucial in preventing such incidents. This is because the perpetrators seem unfazed by the financial losses and disruptions they cause. For instance, TelOne has reported annual revenue losses of US$1 million due to vandalism and the destruction of copper cables and other critical infrastructure. Similarly, Zimbabwean ISPs, including Econet, have suffered substantial financial losses due to theft and vandalism of infrastructure. Econet has reported losses from the theft of diesel fuel, backup batteries, and other essential equipment from their base stations.
While there is a robust legal and regulatory framework targeting data security and cyber threats in the telecommunications sector, specific physical security measures against theft and vandalism are not detailed in the available search results. The Cyber and Data Protection Act (CDPA) enforced by the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (POTRAZ) emphasises data protection and cybersecurity, appointing Data Protection Officers (DPOs) within organisations to oversee data security and privacy compliance. It also includes an enforcement roadmap with advisory measures, escalating penalties, and criminal sanctions aiming to foster accountability and security in telecommunications and data processing operations.
However, the focus on enhancing security culture and regulatory compliance indirectly supports the safeguarding of telecommunications infrastructure. There is a need for explicit information about Zimbabwean government actions such as physical security measures, surveillance, or community engagement strategies that are sometimes deployed elsewhere to combat such issues.
The regulator in Zimbabwe is advocating for stiffer penalties for offenders and lobbying Parliament to enact laws enforcing mandatory jail terms for those convicted of vandalizing telecommunication equipment. This could potentially deter potential vandals and thieves, reducing the instances of infrastructure damage and financial losses for ISPs and their customers.
In light of these challenges, ISPs in Zimbabwe have had to increase investment in securing their sites, implementing enhanced security measures to protect against theft and damage. Public awareness and involvement are crucial in preventing vandalism and safeguarding telecommunications infrastructure. Together, we can help ensure that Zimbabwe's digital connectivity remains robust and reliable.
Data-and-cloud-computing technologies play a significant role in the enhanced security measures ISPs in Zimbabwe are implementing to protect their sites against theft and damage. Public awareness and active community support for these initiatives can help safeguard the country's telecommunications infrastructure, thereby ensuring the reliability of digital connectivity.
