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Namibia’s Communications Regulatory Authority (CRAN) has issued 5G licenses to three companies: Loc8 Mobile, Telecom Namibia Limited, and Mobile Telecommunications Limited. The spectrum below 1GHz was auctioned by the regulator, generating a total of about N$28.5 million (€1.392 million).
CRAN’s Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua, explained that the issuance of these spectrum licenses serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it aims to make emerging mobile technologies available, and secondly, it intends to promote universal access to mobile communications, particularly in rural and underserved areas, to encourage digital participation for all.
Specifically, CRAN has placed license conditions on the successful bidders to enhance 4G population coverage in regions with inadequate coverage. These regions include Kunene, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Hardap, and Kavango West. Bidders are required to improve coverage to 80% or more.
Nghikembua emphasized the significance of these licenses in advancing CRAN’s vision to enhance access to telecommunications services in Namibia and to align with the goals of the fourth industrial revolution.
CRAN has granted approval for testing and trials of 5G services and networks, which will continue until December 31. This authorization aligns with the 5G Strategy and the Broadband Policy, reaffirming the commitment to technological innovation and advanced infrastructure deployment to meet industry needs and support social and economic growth in Namibia.
The licensees will use assigned frequencies in the 703-788MHz and 790-862MHz bands to offer international mobile services (IMT), maintaining a minimum downlink data speed of 20Mbps, in compliance with Quality-of-Service Regulations. These spectrum licenses have a validity period of 10 years, subject to renewal or possible cancellation or transfer as per regulations.
MTC has already expressed its readiness to deploy 5G services. If all goes as planned, Namibia could become one of the first countries in the region to have a 5G network, following Zambia’s recent launch of 5G services. Other countries, such as Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Nigeria, and Botswana, have also introduced 5G services through various telecom providers.
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