Stefanus Nashama
Telecom Namibia clients have expressed dismay that the company has not been able to sort out technical issues that led to disruptions in data connection services.
They say the company is only good at apologising but fails to fulfil its promises.
As a client of the national telecommunications provider, lawmaker Inna Hengari, stated that a mere apology is insufficient to compensate for the missed week of work or entertainment.
“Just like in school, when you have a submission to make and you miss the deadline, an apology does not cut it,” she stated.
Hengari, a prepaid customer, finds it frustrating when services are completely unavailable.
“Why doesn’t Telecom Namibia provide clients with extended periods of their products then, particularly in cases where the company is responsible for the technical issue?” she asked.
Other clients expressed their frustration on the company’s social media platforms on Monday following nationwide network outages affecting fixed and mobile services.
“Telecom Namibia, are you even reading what your customers are saying about you? There is no positive response, and the only thing you do is apologise but never compensate. Why don’t we all just sign a petition? We get another service provider, and we sue you for loss of income and claim our data for loss of coverage. Believe me, you will have more on your hands than you can cope with,” said Anneke Burger.
“Can’t TN get the equipment MTC is using, or better for the customers? One would think the MD of Telecom Namibia doesn’t use its services otherwise, there would have been improvements. Everyone who has TN Mobile will experience trouble every month. It’s technology, but why only TN vakwetu?” asked Markus Kaundu.
“I lost about N$50 000 in business due to this. How am I going to forgive you? I don’t know because my rent is due tomorrow. Telecom Namibia ondeku ninga shike (what did I do to you?) maan?” asked Messie Likiuz.
Customers often face difficulties receiving and making calls, sending and receiving messages, and accessing the Internet.
Last week, the company acknowledged that it has been experiencing technical difficulties with both broadband and mobile services (TN Mobile).
The company’s acting spokesperson, Ndapewa Neshila, said the company understands the frustration this can cause and apologises for any inconvenience.
According to Neshila, the issue has been resolved, and the company is currently implementing several initiatives to enhance its network and narrow the digital divide.
She added that some sporadic disruptions may still occur.
“We recognise the challenges of connecting remote areas. High costs of replacing outdated technologies and maintaining infrastructure hinder service delivery. We are actively seeking solutions, such as replacing WiMAX with wider-reaching LTE technology,” she stressed.
She stated that the company is exploring partnerships with government agencies and research institutions to combine resources for more efficient and cost-effective infrastructure development, especially in underserved communities.
