Telecom Namibia has entered into a partnership with fibre infrastructure provider Lightstruck as the state-owned operator seeks to accelerate fibre broadband expansion without building additional network infrastructure.
The agreement signals a strategic shift towards infrastructure sharing, a model increasingly being adopted by telecommunications operators globally to reduce capital expenditure, shorten deployment timelines and improve broadband coverage.
Under the arrangement, Telecom Namibia will provide internet and digital services over Lightstruck’s open-access fibre network, while Lightstruck will remain responsible for deploying, operating and maintaining the underlying infrastructure.
The partnership forms part of Telecom Namibia’s five-year strategic plan, which prioritises fibre expansion, digital transformation and improved customer experience.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Stanley Shanapinda said the agreement would allow the company to expand connectivity more rapidly while improving operational efficiency.
“The signing of this partnership with Lightstruck marks another key milestone in our fibre expansion journey. It reflects our commitment to leveraging open-access networks to accelerate connectivity, enhance customer choice, and deliver innovative, high-quality digital services,” Shanapinda said.
He said infrastructure sharing would help avoid unnecessary duplication of networks while speeding up fibre deployment.
“Through this collaboration, we are embracing infrastructure sharing as a strategic approach to avoid duplication of efforts, fast-track network deployment, and improve overall efficiency in the sector.”
The move also forms part of Telecom Namibia’s response to growing challenges associated with copper theft, which continues to affect service delivery across parts of the country.
“At a time when copper theft remains a daily occurrence and continues to disrupt services, the transition to fibre strengthens the resilience and reliability of our network infrastructure,” Shanapinda said.
Lightstruck Director Szacky Nujoma said the agreement highlights the role that open-access fibre networks can play in expanding digital connectivity.
“We are proud to partner with Telecom Namibia in advancing fibre connectivity across Namibia through an open-access model. As a neutral infrastructure provider, our focus is on enabling service providers to deliver high-quality services over a reliable network,” Nujoma said.
He added that the partnership would help increase broadband competition and improve access to next-generation digital services.
“This collaboration underscores the value of shared infrastructure in driving competition, efficiency, and improved access to next-generation connectivity.”
Lightstruck’s fibre network is already operational in Khomasdal, Dorado Park, Rocky Crest, Osona Village and Rehoboth, enabling Telecom Namibia to immediately extend fibre-based services to customers in those areas.
The agreement is structured as an operational expenditure model, allowing Telecom Namibia to scale broadband services without incurring the significant capital costs associated with building new fibre infrastructure.
As operators face increasing demand for faster internet speeds, cloud services and digital applications, infrastructure-sharing agreements are becoming a key strategy for expanding network reach while lowering deployment costs.
The Telecom Namibia-Lightstruck partnership is expected to support wider fibre adoption and contribute to Namibia’s efforts to improve broadband penetration and digital inclusion.
