If you're spending hundreds or thousands of Rands on a mobile hotspot just to keep in touch because of load shedding, you should probably look into other options. The worst load-shedding in South Africa occurred in 2022 because of the ageing coal fleet at Eskom and the lake of maintenance, and 2023 is set to see this crisis continue.
Loadshedding has caused numerous companies to lose data, have internet connections go down, have workers miss deadlines because they can't get their work done, and have supply chain problems because of decreased manufacturing output.
Here, we take a closer look at how IT companies in South Africa can help your business continue to grow under the ongoing loadshedding conditions.
1. Access to a vital UPS for your router
Investing in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) from IT Companies is the best approach to ensure that your vital electronics continue functioning even if the power goes out. In the event of a power outage, a UPS can keep a desktop computer or router functioning, allowing you to avoid losing any unsaved work.
You need to plug in the UPS to an electrical socket, and then plug your gadgets that need backup power into the UPS itself. If you have a home (uncapped) fibre connection, a UPS connected to your router can keep you from suffering the expensive expenses of mobile hotspotting.
You should check beforehand how long the UPS will last and if it will supply enough power for your gadget or devices, or if you simply need electricity for a short time to properly shut down a computer after a power loss, before making a purchase.
Even better, if you don't have the cash on hand for a purchase but could benefit from having a UPS, you might want to look into renting one from IT Companies instead of buying.
UPS systems are currently one of the greatest short-term power supplies, but their lifespan is not the most reliable; renting allows you to get a new UPS without spending any more money than necessary.
2. The use of portable Wi-Fi dongles
A Wi-Fi dongle for your smartphone or tablet can be found at any major retailer. A MiFi dongle is available as part of a data-only plan, or it can be purchased separately and will keep you online for four hours on a single charge.
It's important to realise that an LTE data plan won't let you use on-demand services like phone calls or texting. Having this secondary data connection active will allow you to continue working even when the power goes out.
3. Suppliers of routers for greater connectivity
If you want to hook up more than just your router, like a conference room TV, smart gadgets, or electronic equipment, you may need to invest in an inverter. If you can't find a product that includes a battery, it's a red flag.
You can use solar energy to charge the batteries if you have the means to do so. They can sustainably supply power over long periods of time and handle relatively large electrical currents.
To conclude, IT companies in South Africa can help businesses cope with the ongoing problem of load shedding. This could include investing in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to keep vital electronics functioning during power outages, using portable Wi-Fi dongles as a secondary data connection, and investing in routers and inverters for greater connectivity. Lastly, the possibility of renting a UPS rather than purchasing one. Overall, the goal is to ensure that businesses can continue to operate and avoid losing data and productivity during power outages.
