by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – NEC XON, an integrator of information and communications technology, has introduced a new generation of telecoms cabinets to combat battery theft and vandalism across mobile networks in Southern Africa.
The new solution, developed in partnership with Swiss Integr-8 Group, using some proprietary materials and compounds, offers from 90 minutes to six hours of proven break-in resistance, according to officials.
Competing solutions offer only about 15 minutes’ protection, and cost significantly more.
Higher-strength cabinets enable telcos to buy time, create deterrence and focus on protecting high risk sites. Independent testing has included forced entry and explosive resistance trials, where the cabinets withstood multiple attempts, using a variety of blunt and cutting tools, without breach.
Another unique feature of the NEC XON/Swiss Integr-8 Group offering is that each cabinet is backed by up to R290 000 (US$16 876) insurance cover (dependent on content), included in the purchase price – a first for the industry.
This is to provide operators with a physical deterrent and guaranteed financial protection if a breach occurs within the specified resilience time.
“Telcos are under constant financial pressure from theft-related losses,” said Quintin van Zyl, Head of Presales, Telco Division at NEC XON.
“Our cabinets deliver stronger protection for less money, ensuring CFOs and technical teams can safeguard high-risk sites, protect revenue, and maintain network uptime without blowing budgets.”
South Africa’s two largest operators, MTN and Vodacom, together reported losses of around R550 million ($32 million) in 2024 due to battery theft alone.
Vodacom faces an average of 700 incidents per month, while MTN records hundreds more. These crimes disrupt services, increase operating costs and erode customer trust.
– CAJ News