Namibia is set to become a new frontier for satellite internet and digital connectivity, with companies like Starlink, Amazon, and OneWeb expressing interest in extending operations to the country.
The Deputy Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Theofelus, revealed the country’s engagement with global tech giants, including Starlink, Amazon, and OneWeb, all expressing interest in expanding their operations to Namibia.
“We are engaging companies like OneWeb, Amazon, Starlink, who have shown an interest in actually expanding to Namibia, which is also not always welcomed by MNOs, our mobile network operators such as MTC or Telecom, because that’s competition,” She stated.
Namibia has made strides in the ICT landscape, expanding digital connectivity and the far-reaching impact of digital innovation on businesses and increasing interest from new international players ready to come on board.
Starlink, a subsidiary of SpaceX, is already operational in five African countries, including Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Kenya, and Malawi.
Recent updates to Starlink’s coverage map indicate that all countries in southern Africa, except South Africa, will have access to the low-Earth orbit internet service by the end of next year.
Namibia is slated to have access starting in 2024.
Meanwhile, Paratus Group has secured an agreement to distribute Starlink’s high-speed services across the continent.
Starlink offers primary enterprise connectivity, 4G and VSAT replacement, backup, interim setup, and emergency services.
Similarly, OneWeb, a global communications company, has signed a five-year agreement with Q-KON Africa to distribute low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity services across Africa.
“Q-KON Africa’s strong industry understanding, flexibility, agility, and local support will help us see OneWeb’s LEO satellite network create opportunities to benefit unconnected and under-connected areas across Africa for today’s digital environment,” Ben Griffin, VP for mobility and Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) at OneWeb, commented.
Amazon, a multinational technology company, is set to extend its reach by launching in five new countries: Belgium, Chile, Colombia, Nigeria, and South Africa, reflecting the company’s commitment to providing its suite of services to a wider global audience.
