The Namibian market has the capacity to sustain more players in the telecommunications sector, according to the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).
This follows the launch of Paratus Namibia’s mobile service in September, making it the country’s third mobile operator and the first built entirely on 4G LTE technology, with no legacy 2G or 3G systems.
CRAN says increased competition will help drive down prices and improve service quality for consumers.
CRAN Chief Executive Officer Emilia Nghikembua said consumers stand to benefit from greater choice as the market opens up. Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) currently dominates Namibia’s mobile sector, holding about 91% of the market share, while Telecom Namibia is another licensed and active operator.
“With the entry of Paratus, consumers now have three options. The moment there is choice, competition improves, leading to better quality and lower prices,” Nghikembua said at a recent event.
She described the current phase as an exciting time for the sector, noting that regulatory efforts were successfully liberalising the market, encouraging competition, and creating direct benefits for the public.
“Everything we have been pushing into the market is progressing rapidly, which is liberalising the sector, opening it up to competition, and ultimately generating benefits for consumers,” she said.
Nghikembua added that CRAN’s primary responsibility is to protect the public interest and that the ongoing transformation of the market reflects the success of this mandate.
“We should not shy away from competition, because at the end of the day, it is the consumer who benefits,” she said.
Paratus has already rolled out network coverage to about 70% of Namibia and plans to expand further, including the launch of 5G services within the next few months. MTC rolled out its 5G network earlier this month, while Telecom Namibia is also upgrading its infrastructure.
According to Nghikembua, growing competition will not only benefit consumers but also empower businesses and entrepreneurs to build on the country’s expanding digital infrastructure.
“The country’s digital landscape is changing, and as new players invest in advanced technologies such as 5G, the benefits must be translated into opportunities for businesses and improved experiences for ordinary Namibians,” she said.
