Namibia’s Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) and Huawei Technologies, a Chinese technology company, have begun a trial demonstration of the country’s first 5G technology.
The ceremony in the country’s capital, Windhoek, comes after the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) granted 5G licenses to three telecom operators, including MTC, in October 2023.
Previously, Namibia’s government approved the establishment of a 5G network in 2022. At the time, MTC intimated that it was preparing to deploy 5G services and had improved its network infrastructure.
MTC is Namibia’s biggest mobile operator. It controls over 80% of the industry and accounts for nearly 97% of the population. The company claims to have over two million active subscribers. The CRAN granted 5G licenses to three telcos: MTC, Telecom Namibia, and Loc8 Mobile.
The licenses are valid for ten years from the date of award. However, telecom operators can renew or terminate them by regulatory rules. However, the frequency plans indicate that the assigned frequencies are for 4G and 5G services.
Emma Theofelus, the country’s Minister of Information, Communication, and Technology, noted that the event contributed to the government’s Vision 2030. He said, “The vision can only be achieved by keeping up with relevant technology, such as 5G.”
MTC also stated that it is proud to have completed a successful trial of 5G network connectivity. Huawei’s Namibia Managing Director, Michael Zhang, said the company will collaborate closely with MTC to deploy cutting-edge technologies to ensure rapid and high-quality 5G deployments.
Huawei and MTC have worked together to bring 3G, 4G, and 4.5G technologies to Namibia.
Three weeks ago, Huawei unveiled a 5.5G intelligent core network solution at a product solution launch event this year.
Meanwhile, over ten African countries, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, have launched 5 G services. In January 2023, Egypt’s Telecom regulator granted Telecom Egypt a 15-year 5G license, making it the first telco in the country to receive one.
