Staff Writer
Telecom Namibia has announced that it has further extended its 3G and 4G mobile services to both urban and rural areas across the country, with the upgrade of 63 sites and the erection of 10 new base stations in various parts of the country between December 2019 and April 2020.
The move by the telecoms company comes as Telecom Namibia has invested in infrastructure development as part of its network modernisation programme, focusing on two key areas: the expansion and the enhancement of its networks.
“On network enhancement, the company is reviewing the network architecture to optimise its performance and mitigate against network strain, as more and more customers continue to use Telecom services. Our network optimisation efforts will result in Telecom Namibia consistently delivering improved quality of service and customer experience,” Telecom Namibia Acting CEO, Laban Hiwilepo said.
He said new LTE (4G) sites were installed and commissioned to provide mobile voice and data services to the following areas: Ekoka, Oshikunde, Oshuuli, Odibo, Okandjengedi, Extension 6 in Tsumeb, Swartkopies (Rehoboth), Elim, Choto, Nambweza and Boma in Katima Mulilo, as well as Tseiblaagte in Keetmanshoop. Telecom Namibia also upgraded 43 sites in Windhoek from LTE (4G) to LTE Advanced (4.5G), and additional new LTE Advanced (4.5G) sites were installed to serve the areas of Suiderhof, Academia, Kleine Kuppe, Wanaheda and Hage Heights in Swakopmund.
Hiwilepo said Telecom had also upgraded mobile base station equipment serving Tsandi, Onamutai, Ontamanzi, Etilyasa, Oshuungu, Oshitutuma, Onesi, Onkoshi, Oniimwandi, Omuthitu-Gwalwani, Ongha, Onambutu, Indangungu, Okangwati, Ovituambu, Okando, Omuntele, Onaanda, Ohandungu, Uukwiyu-Uushona and Ongenga from 2G to 3G, while Bergquelle was upgraded to LTE (4G) to provide mobile broadband services to Osona village near Okahandja.
He said LTE Advanced (4.5G) sites are under construction in Walvis Bay Harbour, Walvis Bay Meersig, Walvis Bay Ext 17 and Havana, in Windhoek.
“These sites are expected to be operational in early July 2020. Telecom Namibia also plans to commission another 34 LTE (4G) sites across the country over the next three months,” the Acting CEO said.
“Telecom Namibia continues to invest significantly in infrastructure upgrades to ensure Government’s agenda to bring affordable ICT services to all corners of the country are realized. By increasing the network footprint, the company is able to bridge the digital divide and connect unconnected and underserviced areas thus supporting the Namibian Government’s efforts to make quality and affordable broadband services accessible to all Namibians.”
Hiwilepo said the mobile internet services upgrade to 3G and 4G, gives customers additional features such as faster mobile Internet access, video calls and mobile TV.
“The network expansion and densification are strategic for Telecom Namibia, with the goal of enhancing speeds, capacity, quality, reliability, reach and, ultimately customer experience,” he said.
“Telecom Namibia will continue to add more sites to increase and enhance its data and voice quality network throughout the country with continued investment as part of its five-year Strategy Plan. This includes expanding to areas of the country where access to ICT services are limited.”
