Loc8, a Namibian software firm turned telecoms provider, has revealed ambitions to launch its 5G network in the first quarter of 2026.
Loc8 was founded in 2016 as a software development business before moving into telecoms.
Over the years, it has obtained a number of licenses, including spectrum use rights for both 4G and 5G, in order to increase national coverage and capacity in high-demand areas.
The company is one of three providers issued 5G licences by Namibia's Communications Regulatory Authority (CRAN) in October 2023, along with Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) and Telecom Namibia.
According to CRAN, the new 5G licenses allow operators to deliver international mobile services over the allotted frequencies 703-788 MHz and 790-862 MHz.
The mobile operators must maintain a minimum downlink data speed of 20 Mbps and adhere to the Quality-of-Service Regulations.
The spectrum licences are valid for ten years with the option of renewal, although they can also be cancelled or transferred under the regulations.
MTC was the first operator to offer 5G in Namibia in August 2025. Loc8 will become the country's second firm to activate the technology with its planned rollout.
“We’ll be launching our project in Q1 2026. Right now, we have a commercial component up and running, and we’re excited to share more details. This gives a glimpse of the excitement leading up to the full launch in Q1 2026,” Loc8 CEO, Collin Uirab said.
Uirab noted that the company's rollout plan is intended to meet both urban and industrial needs, with a particular emphasis on allowing Internet of Things (IoT) applications in areas such as mining.
He explained that Loc8 has made significant investments in network resilience, securing numerous fibre routes and direct access to undersea cables to ensure dependable connectivity beyond Namibia's borders.
“We have separate fibre routes through South Africa, including TT Data, as well as direct undersea cable connections to Europe and southern Africa. This foundational layer enables the network to support 4G and 5G services across Namibia, ensuring coverage and capacity in some areas,” he said.
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