Telecom Namibia has announced its plans to commence commercial 5G deployment in 2026, aiming to align with industry advancements and compete with its peer, MTC, which began 5G testing earlier this year in partnership with Huawei. Dr. Stanley Shanapinda, CEO of Telecom Namibia, provided the update during a session organized by the Ministry of Information and Communications Technology in Windhoek, addressing questions about the company’s 5G rollout strategy.
Shanapinda highlighted that Telecom Namibia is working to deploy 500 new base stations nationwide to enhance network coverage. By the end of the year, at least 77 of these base stations are expected to be operational. This expansion is crucial as the current network, with 376 base stations, has been insufficient to meet the growing demand for quality service.
Acknowledging customer feedback, Shanapinda emphasized the need for improved network quality and broader coverage. To achieve this, Telecom Namibia has secured competitive pricing from its primary equipment suppliers, Huawei and ZTE, which will aid in the efficient rollout of the new infrastructure.
The company also plans to extend fibre connectivity to over 100,000 households currently lacking access. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support the digital economy and the fourth industrial revolution by ensuring comprehensive connectivity across the country.
Shanapinda underscored the importance of these developments for enhancing network services and meeting customer expectations, reinforcing Telecom Namibia’s commitment to advancing technological infrastructure.
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