By:Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus
A 2022 study by the Communication Authority has revealed that the assignment of 800MHz spectrum to the two national operators – MTC and Telecom Namibia – would help narrow the broadband coverage gap considerably.
This finding is in line with CRAN’s plans to implement measures to promote technological innovation and improve quality of service, including the release of additional spectrum to ensure costs for end users are affordable.
According to the authority, this will enable 4G country coverage to 93% from the current coverage of 85%, thus reducing the number of Namibians living outside of the 4G coverage area from 373524 to 189396.
Improved connectivity is particularly necessary in underserved communities such as the Kunene, Oshikoto, Kavango West, Zambezi, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Hardap regions.
According to the report, only seven of the country’s 14 regions were covered by 4G networks, while the Kunene, Kavango West and Omaheke regions had less than 50% 4G population coverage.
Kunene lags behind with only 41% 4G population coverage, while Hardap, Kunene, Kavango West, Omaheke, Otjozondjupa and Zambezi regions are falling short of the objective of 80% broadband coverage.
However, the national broadband policy’s objective of 80% population broadband coverage has been reached at a national level.
Namibia was relatively quick out of the blocks when it came to launching 4G services in the country, with the service going live in May 2012. This was even before the UK, (October 2012), Australia (2013), and China (2014).
The study indicated that the key to wider broadband coverage is for MTC and Telecom Namibia to both acquire spectrum in the 800MHz band.
In its assessment, CRAN stated that the broadband coverage gap can be narrowed further if all current Radio Access Network (RAN) sites are upgraded to 4G.
Given the market concentration and current coverage levels, “it is paramount that existing operators get 800MHz spectrum, in order to increase universal service and access,”the reportstated.
However, the 800MHz band is at the lower frequency end of mobile-friendly spectrum, which means that such signals are attractive for delivering wide geographic coverage – notably in rural areas.
There is hope among operators that the dishing out will allow these frequency band to be better used, suggesting that the reassignment of the 800MHz band will contribute to closing the digital divide, especially in rural areas.
Namibia’s ICT sector is characterised by state ownership and insufficient competition, according to CRAN. Hence, the regulator has recently called for more private sector investment in the country’s telecoms companies as the country attempts to improve its 4G coverage and increase the footprint to ensure 100% population coverage.
In August last year, CRAN published its Request to Bid documents for the spectrum auction for a number of bands.
Lot A comprises four 5MHz in the 801 – 821 MHz band, paired with four 5MHz in the 842 – 862 MHz band. The reserve price stands at N$25 million, and the spectrum license will be valid for a period of ten years from the date of publication in the Government Gazette.
According to CRAN, licensees may use the spectrum for the implementation of both 4G and 5G going forward on a dynamic spectrum sharing basis. However, no 5G rollout or type approval of 5G network equipment is allowed until such time that CRAN receives authorisation for the deployment of 5G networks.
Meanwhile, CRAN said it plans to issue 5G spectrum in March 2023, while also addressing the misconceptions and misinformation around the technology.
The planned 5G spectrum auction comes at a time when many African countries and operators are launching 5G networks. French telco Orange notably switched on its first 5G network in Africa in November, bringing the service to Botswana.
CRAN’s suggestion is that Namibia can restructure the sector and investigate ways to attract private sector investment and improve the country’s ICT ranking. Email: erastus@thevillager.com.na
