Namibia has disbursed N$31 million (US$1.74 million) from a fund set up this year to overcome the digital divide.
The payout by the Communications Regulatory Authority (CRAN) is part of the N$145 million (US$8.14 million) total allocation under the Universal Service Fund.
It was introduced in late March and will run for three years.
In this initial phase, Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Ohangwena, and Oshikoto received preference because their 4G coverage was less than 80%.
CRAN's Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua, announced in an update that the money made available to the mobile operator, MTC, will provide free uncapped WiFi connectivity to 26 schools and four clinics for a period of seven years.
"The Universal Service Fund is a bold step to ensuring every Namibian has access to quality information and communication technology services. At CRAN, we believe connectivity is no longer a luxury. It is a basic necessity," she said.
"Our estimate is that through the nine sites that were issued under the first phase over 5 000 Namibians will gain access to connectivity. These are people that do not have any form of connectivity."
Nghikembua said according to the latest CRAN market report, mobile network coverage has reached 91 percent of the population, internet access in urban areas stands at nearly 85 percent.
"The rural areas are steadily catching up," she said.
"These figures reflect real progress and show what can be achieved with targeted investments and strong partnership."
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