Lightstruck is considering expanding its operations nationwide, building on the positive outcomes of its recent ventures in Windhoek and Rehoboth.
Eos Capital Chief Investment Officer, Frederico Van Wyk, said several factors will influence the pace of this potential rollout.
“Key considerations include the availability of backhaul dark fibre and the growth in network usage revenue over the next 36 months. These factors will play a significant role in shaping the timeline for achieving broader national coverage,” said Van Wyk.
Regarding target areas for expansion, Van Wyk remained tight-lipped on the matter, highlighting that the main focus lies in overlooked areas with poor fibre connection.
“Given the sensitive nature of a rollout plan and the need to avoid overbuilds, we do not want to share much detail. It attracts competition, and we do not wish to duplicate infrastructure builds. Our focus is on areas overlooked for fibre connection,” he said.
This comes as the physical work began in February 2024, with an initial capital expenditure (capex) of N$500 million.
The company plans further investments upon completing the initial phase. Lightstruck prioritises towns with potential industry growth and infrastructure needs.
Lightstruck operates an open-access Layer 2 infrastructure.
“This means ISPs can plug into our network at designated data centres to provide fibre-based internet services,” he explained.
He said the cost recovery of infrastructure spending results in transparent pricing for all ISPs, benefitting consumers in the long term.
Meanwhile, Cobus Visagie from Africa Merchant Capital mentioned that Lightstruck is focusing on the northwestern side of Windhoek, including Khomasdal, Rocky Crest, and Dorado Park.
“Our deployment is also focused on multi-storey flats and complexes where owners and tenants are keen to benefit from better connectivity,” he added.
Visagie noted that Rehoboth is the first town outside Windhoek to benefit, with work commencing this month.
“We will cover almost the entire town with a world-class fibre optic network in two stages. Residents covered in the first phase will be able to get live fibre service from their ISPs next month,” he said.
Lightstruck Holdings was founded as a joint venture between Lightstruck South Africa and Africa Merchant Capital Holdings.
The Namibia Infrastructure Development and Investment Fund (NIDIF), managed by Eos Capital, has invested in acquiring a significant minority stake in Lightstruck Holdings.
The company aims to deliver long-term fibre optic networks for the economic and social benefit of Namibian communities.
Earlier this year, Lightstruck signed an agreement with the City of Windhoek’s City Link initiative to advance the city’s fibre network commercialisation efforts.
