More than a directive, S. Sudan requires frameworks and regulations that foster synergy and growth of telecommunications businesses.

South Sudan requires frameworks and regulations that foster synergy and growth of telecommunications businesses.

Recently, the national Minister of Information, Communication Technology, and Postal Service has urged telecommunications companies to pool their cell sites and towers.

According to Michael Makuei, it has become standard for every firm in the country to build its own network tower. “Operators must embrace facility sharing. We must provide services to our people and evacuate Juba,” he added.

Cellular-enabled mobile device sites are infrastructure on which antennas and electronic communications equipment are installed — often on a radio mast, tower, or other elevated structure — to form a cell (or neighbouring cells) in a cellular network.

Experts believe that network sharing accelerates the process of expanding into new sectors and enables subscribers to give network coverage to large areas more quickly and with less Capital Expenditure.

Additionally, it enables operators to earn money from the first day by eliminating the field installation procedure and utilizing less material and energy for tower construction.

However, Makuei noted that Juba is currently densely packed with cell towers as a result of telecom firms’ failure to collaborate.

But experts argued that it is the government that needs to come up with frameworks and policies that enhance and foster collaboration among telecommunication companies. It is beyond issuing a directive, it is important that the ministry have a comprehensive dialogue with the telecoms operators and come up with a framework and policy that allows them to leverage on their strengths and thereby eliminating their weakness.

National Communication Authority’s policy already have a set of policy that can be expanded and due work on to enhance this synergy

It is the government responsibility to change the face of the telecommunication industry in South Sudan. Instead of operators turning the capital city into a village of towers, there should be guidelines that facilitate collaboration among telecoms

Juba is presently home to telecommunications firms such as Zain, MTN, and Digitel, as well as many transmission towers for radio and television stations.