THE IMPACTS OF FIBRE CABLE VANDALISM ON COMMUNITIES Fibre is a glass (silica) cable the size of human hair, that transmits signals using light. The fibre cable and its infrastructure have come under increased vandalism attack in the recent past. What is vandalism? Vandalism is any activity where one gains unauthorised access, with intention to steal and/or damage any part of the fibre cable infrastructure. There are perpetrators who gain illegal access to BoFiNet manholes to cut the fibre cables.At times this is cut by thieves who mistake the fibre cable for copper. Unlike copper, fibre cable has no scrap value. Of concern is the situation where a fibre cable is cut, removed from the ducts, and left somewhere close to the scene.
Mr Keolebogile Totang Field Services Manager
Vandalism of fibre optic cables or fibre cutting is a widespread issue that has a negative impact on communities all around the world. It is essential to deal with this problem proactively as a responsible business dedicated to the welfare of our external stakeholders. Mr Keolebogile Totang, our Filed Services Manager gave an insight on the numerous facets of vandalism, its effects on our communities, and methods to stop it. BoFiNet operates a fibre network that connects villages, towns and cities across the country as well as to customer premises. BOFINET as a wholesale provider, carries other telecommunication providers like Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Public Telephone Operators (PTOs).
In some of the instances, there are people who either deliberately cut down the poles carrying fibre to harvest honey. The same is done where fires are kindled inside manholes to harvest honey which later burn the infrastructure. These acts of vandalism are widespread across the country. However, the areas that are mostly affected by these acts of vandalism are the greater Gaborone areas which include Old Naledi, Kgale View, A1 route along Gaborone – Lobatse, Lobatse, Gaborone Block 5, 6 & 9, Mogoditshane Lesirane (Tsolamosese), Mogoditshanemetsimotlhabe-Molepolole-Letlhakeng routes, Molepolole, Gabane – Thamaga – kanye route, etc.
Latest fibre cuts in Gaborone BOFINET Newsletter | November 2023
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