The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) plans to re-auction the 3.5GHz spectrum band for the implementation of 5G networks after no operator was successful in the initial bidding in May.
The decision comes as Namibia aims to implement its approved 5G strategy and harness the potential of the advanced technology.
Head of Economics and Sector Research at CRAN Helene Vosloo highlighted the importance of 5G and its potential role in the future adding that after an unsuccessful bidding, the regulator is set to re-auction the band.
“The re-auctioning of the 5G spectrum indicates the Namibian government’s commitment to enabling advanced telecommunications services and fostering technological innovation within the country. With the allocation of the spectrum to capable operators, Namibia aims to leverage the potential of 5G for improved connectivity and efficiency in sectors that can benefit from its high-speed, low-latency capabilities,” she said.
Despite this, the CRAN official assured that by the end of the year, the 5G spectrum would be allocated to successful operators who will be able to roll out the technology.
She further added that the forthcoming allocation of the 5G spectrum is expected to open up new opportunities for businesses and industries in Namibia, allowing them to explore and adopt cutting-edge technologies.
“It will enable operators to provide enhanced services, leveraging 5G’s capabilities to support data-intensive applications and unlock innovative solutions in areas such as automation, Internet of Things (IoT), and smart infrastructure,” she said.
Voslo said interested parties in various industries seeking 5G connectivity are encouraged to reach out to the operators once listed in the government gazette for further information and assistance.
Namibia’s biggest players in the sector, mobile operator, Mobile Telecommunications (MTC) Limited and the national telecommunications operator Telecom Namibia Limited have expressed readiness to deploy 5G services.
MTC’s Chief Human Capital, Corporate Affairs and Marketing Officer, Tim Ekandjo says that the granting of the 5G spectrum will amongst others, unlock the full provision of enhanced and innovative digital services to their customers.
“The efficient provision of full digital services requires 5G technology, and MTC, as the country’s digital driver, has submitted our interest to acquire 5G spectrum and or will participate in the upcoming spectrum auction by the Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia,” he said.
This follows MTC having already upgraded its network infrastructure to ensure that its network is ready to deploy 5G technology in preparation for the future lifting of the country’s existing moratorium.
Similarly, Telecom Namibia Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Shanapinda said the firm had placed a bid for the prior bid and will partake in the re-auction again.
“We will definitely be submitting a bid for the 5G spectrum band after we have previously participated in the prior bidding process as well,” he told The Brief.
As Namibia continues to make strides in the telecommunications sector, the successful deployment of 5G technology is poised to revolutionise various industries, driving economic growth, and creating new possibilities for connectivity and digital transformation.
However, Voslo also emphasised that Namibia is predominantly a rural country, and 5G may not be suitable for rural areas.
Instead, she said, “the technology is expected to find its niche in applications such as machine-to-machine communication, mining operations, and specific sectors like agriculture.”
The development means Namibia could soon become one of the countries in the region to have a 5G network after Zambia recently became the latest African market to get 5G services.
Safaricom launched 5G services in Kenya and Vodacom in Tanzania, Telkom in South Africa, MTN in Nigeria, while Orange has switched on 5G services in Botswana.
