Telecom Namibia says fibre deployment is set to cost around N$367 million over the next five years.
The telecoms operator’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stanley Shanapinda said the planned investment is part of the company’s commitment to sustainable development and meeting the growing demand for connectivity across Namibia.
This comes as the company is partnering with OMDis, an agency focused on the future sustainability of Oranjemund, where Telecom Namibia intends to transform the designated into a smart city and a hub for diversified economic activities beyond diamond mining.
“A key enabler for smart cities is fibre connectivity, which will be extended to households in the existing parts of the town as well as new extensions. Residents will benefit from affordable packages and subsidised rates to connect to the fibre network, positioning Oranjemund as the town with the highest fibre rollout in the country,” Shanapinda said on Thursday.
He added that the deployment of fibre connectivity opens doors to various smart city services and amenities.
“With reliable and high-speed internet access, the town can implement smart meters for electricity and water usage, allowing residents to monitor their consumption in real time. Additionally, the fibre infrastructure facilitates the installation of CCTV surveillance systems in public spaces, enhancing safety and security.
Municipal parks and multipurpose centers can also offer public WiFi through the fibre network, further enhancing connectivity and accessibility,” the Telecom CEO said.
Moreover, the fibre deployment supports plans for agricultural advancements. Automated watering systems, measurement tools, and metering technologies can be employed in nurseries and agricultural facilities, optimising operations and contributing to the growth of e-agriculture.
Shanapinda said Telecom Namibia’s smart city fibre deployment aligns with the goals of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the fifth National Development Plan (NDP5).
“Recognising the critical importance of connectivity in driving economic growth and technological innovation, this initiative sets the stage for a more connected and sustainable future for Namibia,” he said.
This comes as Telecom last year partnered with OMDis to roll out new fibre routes in the town of Oranjemund at a cost of N$12 million for phase one of the project with the next phases of the project being under consultation stage with stakeholders, said Shanapinda.
OMDis is Oranjemund town’s Special Purpose Vehicle whose sole purpose is to proactively accelerate the town’s economic diversification.
The eight-month project, which aims to transform Oranjemund into a smart city by connecting more than two thousand residents and businesses to the fibre-optic network, is one of the strategic ventures under Telecom Namibia’s operational plan, announced under its N$2.3 billion capex programme to roll out digital infrastructure.
The project will also add 67.6km of fibre to its existing national fibre backbone, improving the coverage of its existing 10,676km (65.2% of the national coverage) national fibre backbone.
