Echo Namibia plans to commercially launch its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite internet services on 1 September 2025, pending final approval of its pricing structure by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).
“If all goes according to plan, with final pricing approval from CRAN, then our aim is to launch LEO VSAT in Namibia by the 1st of September. This is if there are no delays,” Echo Namibia’s Managing Director, Christo Greeff told The Brief.
The company has already received regulatory approval for the OneWeb LEO satellite technology and the required spectrum. However, the rollout now hinges on CRAN’s green light for its pricing model.
“Phase 1 was getting OneWeb LEO approved in Namibia as well as the spectrum that comes with it. We are now busy with Phase 2 whereby we need to get approval on the pricing,” Greeff explained.
The service will use OneWeb’s enterprise-grade satellite internet system, with local infrastructure linked to a regional hub based in Johannesburg. Greeff said the offering is geared toward sectors with high connectivity demands, including mining, banking, tourism and fishing.
“All packages will have a download speed up to 100Mb and an upload of up to 20Mb. Packages start with a CAP of 250Gb, with the biggest package being 2000Gb of data. There will be a once-off installation fee to go with the monthly recurring internet costs, which we are waiting for approval before being allowed to share,” he said.
Although Starlink remains a well-known consumer-focused competitor, Greeff positioned OneWeb as a more reliable solution for business-critical operations.
“OneWeb, with its enterprise focus, provides more robust and reliable connectivity, especially in challenging environments, with more complex equipment, professional installation and real-time support,” he said.
He added that the service’s 24/7 customer support is a key differentiator. “OneWeb’s support excels with 24/7 phone assistance, ensuring quick assistance and robust troubleshooting capabilities,” said Greeff.
He noted that Echo Namibia’s capital expenditure on the rollout has been limited, as the core LEO infrastructure is owned and operated by OneWeb.
“There is not much capital expenditure done from our side as this system is from OneWeb. It’s their LEO VSAT system and hub. The nearest OneWeb hub sits in Joburg, SA. A customer buys or rents the physical site equipment from us, as with any internet connection,” Greeff explained.
Echo Namibia’s launch would mark a significant step forward in Namibia’s enterprise connectivity landscape, especially for industries operating in remote or underserved areas.
