The Impact of Power Load Shedding on Mobile Service Providers in Kitwe, Zambia

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects that electricity load shedding has on mobile service providers in Kitwe, Zambia. More specifically, the study focusses on the ways in which power shortages affect network infrastructure, service quality, and operating expenses. The study reveals that load shedding causes disruptions to mobile base stations, raises operational costs due to reliance on diesel generators and battery replacements, and leads to service quality issues, particularly in residential and peri-urban areas. These findings were obtained through interviews with representatives from mobile operators and surveys with users. As a result of these discoveries, substantial socio-economic ramifications have been brought to light for enterprises and individual users that rely on mobile services for communication and financial transactions. The findings of this study provide advice to mobile carriers for mitigating the consequences of load shedding. These recommendations include making investments in renewable energy, improving backup systems, and working together with Zambia's power company, ZESCO, to ensure that service continuity is maximized during interruptions in power supply.