Namibia’s journey towards widespread 5G connectivity is gaining momentum, with PowerCom actively engaging Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and Telecom Namibia on the strategic deployment of the high-speed network. These discussions are pivotal for leveraging existing infrastructure and spectrum to bring next-generation mobile services to the nation.
The groundwork for 5G in Namibia was laid in 2023 when the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) granted 5G licenses to Loc8 Mobile, Telecom Namibia, and MTC. This followed a successful spectrum auction that generated approximately N$28.5 million. The awarded licenses cover frequencies within the 703-788 MHz and 790-862 MHz ranges, with a crucial requirement for operators to uphold a minimum downlink speed of 20 Mbps to meet CRAN’s quality benchmarks. Each license is valid for a decade, with provisions for renewal, cancellation, or transfer in accordance with CRAN’s regulatory framework.
Beatus Amadhila, CEO of PowerCom, highlighted the core of the ongoing negotiations: securing access to the frequencies currently held by MTC and Telecom.
“We are currently in the consultation phase with MTC and Telecom, who hold the frequency needed to start 5G,” Amadhila stated. He acknowledged an initial hurdle, noting, “One of the initial challenges is that their priority is upgrading existing sites to 5G.”
Despite this, PowerCom’s strategy emphasizes collaborative planning. Amadhila expressed optimism, adding, “So our planning is in consultation with all the active players, and our expectation is that we should at least have more than one operator at one site.” This multi-operator approach aims to optimize resource utilization and accelerate the rollout of 5G services across Namibia.
