Niël Terblanché
Villagers of Otjinungua became part of a growing connected Namibia, where technology bridges distance and creates inclusion in even the most far-flung corners of the country.
Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has launched a new network site in Otjinungua village, providing 2G voice and 4G broadband services to one of the country’s most remote areas in line with Namibia’s digital inclusion efforts.
Situated 370 kilometres from Opuwo, in the Marienfluss Conservancy near the Kunene River bordering Angola, Otjinungua is home to the Ovahimba people.
MTC’s spokesperson, Erasmus Nekundi, highlighted the significance of the achievement and said that the newly commissioned site is the 66th in the Kunene region and forms part of MTC’s 081Every1 national network project, launched in 2017 with the ambitious goal of achieving 100% population network coverage.
Nekundi added that Namibia currently boasts 98% network coverage with 1 035 sites nationwide.
“The commissioning of the Otjinungua network site is a demonstration of the strategic resolve as executed under the 081Every1 network project. This project is driven to ensure that every Namibian has access to quality network connectivity,” he said.
In addition to the site launch, MTC distributed free smartphones to 20 residents, addressing the reality that many villagers did not previously own mobile devices.
Nekundi expressed the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, acknowledging the financial challenges of such projects while underlining their necessity.
“Putting up a network site can be quite capital intensive. However, as a corporate citizen, we are executing our entrusted mandate of providing inclusive and quality connectivity to the people,” he said.
Nekundi said that MTC’s commitment to digital equality is unwavering.
“Gone are the days when access to quality broadband connectivity was a privilege for the few. Today, it is a right for every citizen to have such access. As a key player in the space, we will do our best to incessantly inject funds into network capital projects such as the 081Every1, which grants people such access,” he said.
The new network site not only enhances communication for the vibrant Ovahimba community of Otjinungua but also strengthens the broader connectivity framework across Namibia.
According to Nekundi, this development is a step closer to MTC’s vision of nationwide network inclusivity, reinforcing the importance of digital access as a cornerstone of modern living.
