Staff Writer
Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and National Housing Enterprise (NHE) have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at improving digital connectivity in housing developments across Namibia.
The agreement was signed in Windhoek on Tuesday and will run for five years.
Under the partnership, the two entities will work together to expand telecommunications infrastructure in current and future NHE housing projects.
The agreement includes co-trenching opportunities for MTC’s Spectra Home fixed services in new housing developments identified by NHE.
This means that the construction phase will include the installation of fibre and other telecommunications infrastructure, thereby reducing costs and expediting internet connectivity for residents.
The partnership also allows MTC access to open trenches for fibre installation and commissioning.
The companies said the approach is expected to improve rollout efficiency and accelerate access to high-speed internet services in NHE housing areas.
The agreement covers fixed-line services, mobile connectivity, internet solutions, wireless technologies, data management, fibre installation, surveillance systems and other information technology services needed in NHE projects.
MTC managing director Licky Erastus said digitally connected homes should become part of modern housing development.
“Owning a house that is smart and digitally connected must not be optional. This cooperation, therefore, will be driving and expanding, through a shared structured framework, the advancement of Namibia’s housing and digital transformation agenda – where we will be building communities that are not only equipped with quality housing but also connected through reliable and future-ready telecommunications infrastructure,” he said.
Erastus said a joint technical steering committee will be created to oversee planning, technical coordination and commissioning of services in housing development areas.
NHE chief executive officer Gisbertus Mukulu said partnerships between state-owned enterprises help improve service delivery.
“The partnership aligns with the mandate of the National Housing Enterprise to provide viable and sustainable low-to-medium-cost housing solutions that are fully equipped to meet the evolving needs of Namibians,” Mukulu said.
He said the partnership will support the delivery of affordable homes with improved digital connectivity.
The agreement also includes research collaboration, data sharing and joint customer-focused projects aimed at supporting Namibia’s social and economic development goals.
The two entities said the agreement marks a step towards developing digitally connected communities and expanding smart housing projects across Namibia.
