By: Annakleta Haikera
Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Emma Theofelus, on Monday said operators must now provide a minimum download speed of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) across the country.
She made the announcement during the opening of Mobile Telecommunications Limited’s (MTC) first mobile home in Divundu, Mukwe Constituency, Kavango East Region.
Theofelus said the new standard forms part of the government’s broader mission to improve digital access for all Namibians, especially those in remote areas.
She noted that communities in rural constituencies deserve the same quality of service as those in towns and cities.
“Since August, MTC has been steadily opening new service outlets starting in Windhoek, then Omuthiya, and now Divundu to ensure that citizens see and feel when services are brought closer to them,” she said.
The minister pushed back against critics who claim no progress is being made, saying the evidence is visible on the ground.
“When our communities ask for services and we bring them, we want them to know we heard them,” she said.
Highlighting improvements over the past five years, Theofelus pointed to MTC’s Project Buffalo, an initiative aimed at upgrading existing network towers to improve quality, increase coverage, and shift outdated 3G infrastructure to 4G, LTE, and 5G capabilities.
She said technology evolves rapidly, making upgrades essential.
To close remaining connectivity gaps, the ministry has allocated N$40 million from the Universal Service Fund for the construction of new towers in underserved “middle mile” and “last mile” areas.
Theofelus is set to launch the first nine towers of this rollout in Ohangwena on Wednesday, with more planned for Kavango East, Kunene, and southern regions.
She also reminded residents that the new Divundu mobile home will reduce travel burdens for basic services such as SIM replacements, adding that users can opt for eSIMs as part of MTC’s upgraded offerings.
MTC’s General Manager for Product Solutions, Andreas Gustav, said the new Divundu branch represents more than just a retail outlet, as it marks an expansion of opportunity, digital access and community growth.
“We are not only opening the doors of a new store; we are opening doors to opportunity, technology enablement and digital growth,” he said.
Gustav added that the store reflects MTC’s trust in Divundu and its long-term commitment to the Kavango East Region as the town grows and connects to neighbouring countries.
He urged residents to take ownership of the store, calling it a “digital gateway” offering SIM cards, devices, home internet and other services. Gustav also thanked the ICT Minister for her continued support from previous store openings in Eveline Street and Omuthiya to the latest expansion in Divundu.
Residents of Divundu and nearby villages expressed relief at the opening, saying the new store will cut travel costs and time.
Monika Della explained that a SIM replacement or device query previously required a long, expensive trip to Rundu, nearly 200 km away. She added that the new outlet brings dignity and convenience to their daily lives.
Della noted that access to mobile services is no longer a privilege reserved for towns, but now available within walking distance for most families in the area.
Others highlighted that the store will especially benefit learners, small business owners and farmers who rely on mobile connectivity for schoolwork, mobile money services and market information.
They described the store as a “major milestone” that finally brings modern digital services closer to their doorstep.
