Niël Terblanché
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to nationwide connectivity with an investment of N$145 million into the Universal Service Fund (USF).
The minister of information and communication technology, Emma Theofelus, announced the funding at the launch of the USF by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) on Wednesday.
She said the fund is aimed at bridging the digital divide by supporting the expansion of network infrastructure in underserved areas, ensuring that the nation has access to reliable communication services.
Theofelus said the investment would be used to construct network towers and deploy digital infrastructure to achieve full connectivity across the country.
“With these funds, we aim to build network towers and deploy digital infrastructure that will enable 100% connectivity across our nation. The goal is not just to increase the number of towers but to ensure that they are strategically placed in underserved regions to effectively bridge the digital gap, with priority given to unconnected schools and clinics,” she said.
Theofelus added that Namibia has made progress in telecommunications access, with over 90% of the population covered by mobile networks and a growing internet penetration rate.
In urban areas, nearly 85% of households have access to reliable internet services, while rural areas are seeing improvements due to infrastructure investments.
“Population coverage for 4G services in Namibia increased from 79% in 2021 to 88.4% in 2024. Nine out of Namibia’s 14 regions now have 4G coverage above 80%. However, regions such as Kunene, where coverage remains at 49%, require urgent intervention,” she explained.
A mapping exercise conducted by CRAN has identified the most underserved areas, ensuring that resources are directed where they are needed most.
The fund is expected to prioritise network expansion in these regions to improve access to essential services such as education and healthcare.
“This fund will enable us to accelerate the deployment of telecommunications infrastructure in areas that have historically been left behind,” she said.
Theofelus acknowledged that while progress has been made, much work remains.
She called for collaboration between the government, private sector, and other stakeholders to enhance connectivity and innovation in the telecommunications sector.
“Our bottom line as a government is the people, and we must find common ground to work together in meeting their needs,” she said.
