Over 9,000 Namibians are set to gain 4G access, many for the first time, with about 10,277 customers expected to enjoy improved connectivity through 4G and Spectra services when phase one of the Universal Service Fund (USF) is completed.
This follows MTC’s handover of the first network tower built under the programme, after being appointed technical implementer by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN).
The tower was officially commissioned at Epinga village in the Ohangwena Region by Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Emma Theofelus.
Speaking at the commissioning, MTC Managing Director Licky Erastus confirmed that the Epinga site forms part of a wider rollout to improve network coverage in rural communities.
“Additional to Epinga, we have completed sites in Hedimbi, Ehomba and Ongongo. Pending completions are Naimanya, Kudumbu/Mupapama, Owiwi in the Kavango West, Gwatjinga and Shinyashi in the Kavango East Region. Civil works have already been completed, and currently we are simply awaiting finalisation of the electrical connection from the power utility,” Erastus said.
He added that the rollout will deliver high-speed internet to underserved communities.
“The completion of phase one of the USF will see over 9,000 Namibians gain 4G access, many for the first time,” Erastus said.
To ensure long-term performance, MTC is deploying different tower types depending on network requirements.
“In implementing Phase 1, we are deploying several tower types, including 60m lattice towers, 80m guyed masts and 120m guyed masts, all of which have robust loading capacities. This ensures these sites will remain structurally sound and technologically adaptable for future innovations,” he said.
Erastus said MTC accepted the task because the USF rollout supports national connectivity goals.
“MTC embraced the opportunity because the USF vision aligns perfectly with our mission to provide connectivity to every corner of our country,” he said.
The USF was established by the Ministry of ICT and is administered by CRAN to support operators in expanding coverage in rural areas where commercial investment is not viable.
Phase one targets underserved communities in Kavango West, Kavango East, Kunene, Oshikoto and Ohangwena, with the aim of achieving at least 80% broadband coverage in those regions.
Minister Theofelus said government has already committed further investment to advance the programme into its next phase.
“As we advance into Phase two of the Universal Service Fund rollout, government has already committed N$145 million to ensure that no community is left behind. This allocation forms part of the national commitment under capital projects for the period 2024 to 2027,” she said.
“With the USF, government is ensuring that rural communities, often the most in need of digital access, are not left behind in the broader national development agenda,” Theofelus added.
The project is expected to significantly benefit schools and local economies, with reliable internet speeds of up to 35 Mbps enabling access to e-learning platforms, digital services, online commerce and mobile payments.
CRAN Board Chairperson Tulimevava Mufeti praised MTC’s implementation progress.
“We are pleased with the delivery of work by MTC and have no doubt that phase one will be completed within the set timeline,” she said.
