- Namibia's Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) and Huawei Technologies, a Chinese tech company, have launched a trial demonstration of the country's first 5G technology.
- The event, which took place in the country's capital, Windhoek, comes after the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) awarded 5G licences to three telecommunications providers in the country, including MTC, in October 2023.
- Previously, Namibia's government approved the deployment of a 5G network in 2022. At the time, MTC hinted that it was ready to launch 5G services and had upgraded its network infrastructure.
MTC is Namibia's largest mobile operator. It controls more than 80% of the industry and accounts for approximately 97% of the population. The telco claims to have over two million active subscribers.
The CRAN granted 5G licences to three telcos: MTC, Telecom Namibia, and Loc8 Mobile. The licences are valid for ten years from the date of award, but the telecom providers may renew or cancel them following regulatory guidelines.
However, the frequency plans specify that the allocated frequencies are for 4G and 5G services.
Emma Theofelus, the country's minister of information, communication, and technology, acknowledged that the event helped to advance the government's Vision 2030. The minister added, “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 previously 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 have launched 5G services, including Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. In January 2023, Egypt’s Telecom regulator granted Telecom Egypt a 15-year 5G licence, becoming the first telco in the country to receive a 5G licence.
