Namibia’s mobile data revenue reached N$934 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, as data continued to drive growth in the telecommunications sector.
Figures released by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) show data revenue rose by 1% from N$928 million in the previous quarter. In contrast, voice revenue declined by 1% to N$694 million, while SMS revenue remained unchanged at N$33 million.
“Data remains the main driver of mobile revenue growth,” CRAN said.
Total active SIM cards increased by 4% to 2.79 million, driven mainly by prepaid subscriptions, which grew by 5%. Postpaid subscriptions rose slightly by 1%.
Mobile broadband subscriptions also increased by 4%, while dongle and router connections grew by 10% from a lower base. However, internet usage among SIM cards remained stable at 62%.
Machine-to-machine (M2M) subscriptions declined by 2%, indicating consolidation in enterprise connectivity.
In the fixed segment, subscriptions fell by 1% to 72,626 lines, continuing a gradual decline in traditional services.
Fixed broadband subscriptions grew by 8%, supported by increases in fixed wireless, MetroNet/Ethernet and fibre connections. Fixed wireless subscriptions rose by 40%, while MetroNet/Ethernet increased by 210%. Fibre subscriptions grew by 3%.
Legacy technologies continued to decline, with ADSL subscriptions falling by 1% and VoIP subscriptions dropping sharply by 79%.
Mobile voice traffic remained stable, with on-net calls accounting for 97% of total minutes. International mobile traffic increased by 82%.
Mobile data usage declined by 56% compared to the previous quarter, following high consumption driven by promotional offers.
Social media traffic remained strong, led by TikTok, followed by WhatsApp and Facebook.
Investment in the sector dropped from N$455 million in Q3 to N$128 million in Q4, which CRAN attributed to project-based capital spending cycles rather than a slowdown in growth.
