The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) says the government has allocated N$110 million towards the implementation of the Universal Access Service programme which aims to deploy 30 radio access network towers.
MICT Minister Emma Theofelus said the initiative is expected to improve internet connectivity across the nation.
The project will be implemented in three years, to bridge the digital divide in the unserved and underserved areas, thereby providing access to network connections. A further N$1.5 million has been made available for the implementation of the 5G Strategy.
Earlier this month, Mobile Telecommunications (MTC) Limited launched the first 5G trial and technology in Windhoek, in collaboration with Huawei Technologies.
Despite misconceptions, authorities are forging on, saying 5G brings about reduced data rates, decreased latency, energy efficiency, cost savings, and significant system advancements, which are far more beneficial. Other countries are planning on rolling out 5.5G and 6G networks.
“The Ministry appreciates the sector’s continuous support in the development and implementation of ICT projects,” said Theofelus.
“The government also remains committed to providing the legislative and policy frameworks which are relevant and responsive to the ever-changing technological advances and plans are underway to review the National Broadband Policy. Furthermore, N$20 million has been allocated towards the establishment of the Namibia Cybersecurity Incidence Response Team (Nam-CSIRT) under the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia.”
The Cyber Incident Response Team’s responsibility is to prevent, detect, monitor, and respond to security threats, thereby ensuring security and stability in critical information infrastructures.
“Faster internet, reliable services and more affordable ICT devices, are just a few of the expectations as you continue to enable organisational operations and drive progress in the sector,” she stated.
