Press Release,
Oct 13, 2020(Nyamilepedia) — It has been some months of joy since citizens of Akobo have their Zain network re-installed after seven years of no network due to the South Sudan conflict which erupted in 2013.
The re-opening of the network has caused lots of joy and excitement to the wider population of Akobo. All the community members expressed their gratitude to people who supported network re-installation in Akobo. Million congratulations to Gen. Gatwech Gang Lual and other hardworking sons of Akobo and the government of Juba and SPLA-IO for ensuring that the network is re-opened in Akobo to get the people connected to the rest of the world. The re-opening of the network has created lots of business opportunities to the youth of Akobo including new money transfer businesses and airtime which increase the flow of cash to and from.
However, the current network capacity is very small. It’s the first generation and it doesn’t support internet networks for smartphones and modems. Akobo has a huge number of young educated people who want to get connected through the internet bundle but the current network doesn’t support that. This brought outcry from the residents urging the concerned Zain network to upgrade its network to 4G so that it can accommodate the customers’ needs.
Peter Pal, a young undergraduate student, wants to reach his school in Ethiopia to obtain his certificate via email communication. He could not get connected as his smartphone is not supported by the current network. He is appealing to the Zain network to at least upgrade their service beyond voice call. He wanted the internet bundle to be made functioning when the system is upgraded.
Gatwech , a business man, had bought Zain modem to get his device connected to the internet but the network does not recognize it. He is urging the company to start upgrading the network to 5G for better service.
Mary Nyalang says, “Every time I want to call my son in Juba, especially at 8: 00 pm, the network is always busy. It doesn’t go through and it gives me lots of hard time reaching out to my son”.
The current network has been out-service by the number of users in Akobo and does need some upgrading. We therefore urge the Zain network to swiftly take action by improving their network connection in Akobo. Akobo citizens also appeal to MTN network to re-open their network operator in Akobo to boost market competition and service delivery.
This press releases was submitted by Paul Ruot of Akobo East. He can be reached for more through email at paulruotbayoch@gmail.com
