The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) aims to operationalise the Universal Service Fund this year.
The fund seeks to ensure the expansion of coverage to schools and healthcare facilities in unserved and underserved areas.
This follows the finalisation of a funding proposal to national, regional, and international institutions, securing a commitment of N$115 million over three years from the Government of Namibia.
“This funding will be used to construct towers in unserved areas, in alignment with the provisions of the Universal Service regulations. Focus for 2025 will be the operationalisation of the Universal Service Fund and formulating a strategy to ensure the expansion of broadband coverage to educational and health facilities in underserved areas,” CRAN said in its Annual Report for 2024.
The year under review saw broadband coverage increase by 31.5%, reaching 81.5% of schools, and an increase of 38.9%, reaching 88.9% of clinics.
“This enhanced connectivity facilitates better e-learning and access to digital resources in schools, supports efficient health data management in clinics, and contributes to overall socio-economic growth,” said CRAN.
Additionally, population coverage increased to 88.4%, a rise of 8.4%, exceeding the target by 3.4%, which signifies significant progress due to improved infrastructure and effective policy implementation.
“This improved connectivity leads to greater access to communication services, driving socio-economic benefits such as better education, healthcare, and economic growth, marking substantial progress towards achieving universal access and digital inclusion goals,” noted the authority.
Meanwhile, the plan aligns with CRAN’s objective of increasing universal access to communication services. This objective will be achieved through strategic initiatives aimed at expanding broadband coverage to a larger segment of the population.
“This may involve imposing Universal Access and Service (UAS) obligations on service providers, issuing spectrum licenses with specific coverage conditions, and operationalising regulations governing the collection of funds dedicated to enhancing access to ICT, telecommunications, broadcasting, postal, and courier services nationwide,” CRAN explained.
Through these strategic initiatives, CRAN will ensure equitable access to essential communication services for all citizens, thereby promoting digital inclusion and socio-economic development across the country.
Namibia currently boasts a high population coverage of 95%, enabling direct dialing to destinations worldwide. The ICT infrastructure in Namibia encompasses telecommunications networks, internet connectivity, data centres, fibre, satellite systems, and mobile networks.
“Namibia has invested heavily in the modernisation and expansion of its telecommunications networks, with 4G population coverage standing at 88.4%. Despite a decline in subscriptions for mobile, fixed lines, fibre, and internet compared to the previous year, the current ICT penetration statistics and infrastructure map clearly illustrate the rapid pace at which ICT is developing throughout the country,” said CRAN.
