Telecom Namibia only deploying 5G base stations

In accordance with the president's directive, executives from Telecom Namibia and its subsidiary, PowerCom, met with ICT Minister Emma Theofelus to evaluate their operations and strategic vision.

Following an investigation by the country’s competition commission, it has been alleged that, over a 10-year period, Telecom Namibia and MTC abused their dominance of the local market, and, along with NamPower, contravened network sharing regulations.

The telco invested in a GMDSS system with 24-hour coverage, ensuring continuous monitoring and response to distress calls and safety alerts.

The telco is contemplating a substantial infrastructure investment, including 500 base stations, with 5G testing scheduled for 2026.

Telcos MTC Namibia and Telecom Namibia both reported service problems this week.

The spend is part of the Namibian company's turnaround strategy, which is detailed in its 2027 integrated strategic business plan.

Last month, Namibia’s Minister at the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology (MICT) Peya Mushelenga bemoaned low levels of access to internet and coverage provided by telecommunications companies.

Paratus Namibia, Telecom Namibia and Google have confirmed the development and have affirmed it will become fully operational in Q4 this year.

Paratus Group, together with Telecom Namibia, had been selected to build the cable landing station (CLS) for the Equiano subsea internet cable in Namibia.

Company’s subsidiary PowerCom will proceed with the US$365,000-backed project.

Equiano subsea cable project expected to bolster economic growth and telecommunications.