In the wake of increasing speculation over a link between 5G network infrastructure and the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, Namibia’s Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has denied installing 5G tower infrastructure.
Images of two towers erected in Erongo and Khomas regions - and believed to be part of a 5G network – have surfaced on social media
Local residents reportedly fear for their safety and have threatened to destroy the towers.
In a statement MTC chief human capital and corporate affairs officer Tim Ekandjo said Namibia has no 5G sites and that the technology has not yet been deployed in the country.
He rubbished claims the country’s lockdown was implemented to enable 5G towers to be erected without interference from locals.
Asked whether MTC is planning to rollout the 5G technology and what the company’s views are regarding 5G and COVID-19, Ekandjo said, “Yes, we are planning to implement the new 5G technology just like we did with 2G, 3G and 4G, but that it will be done responsibly.”
Ekandjo said once they are ready to implement the 5G technology, they will share facts with customers.
“MTC has and will always trial a new technology first like we have always done with the full permission of all relevant authorities. We have taken note of the rumours that 5G causes corona infections and once again, this is a very unfortunate rumour that we will leave to our health authorities to address as a matter of urgency.”
According to local media reports, the Council for Windhoek City is currently considering plans to allow the deployment of 5G network in the city.
The Windhoek Express newspaper quoted Counsellor Brunhilde Cornelius as confirming the City’s plan to accommodate Huawei’s 5G network.
Huawei did not respond to ITWeb Africa’s query regarding the planned rollout.
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