By: Nghiinomenwa-vali Hangala
The government, through the Universal Service Fund (USF), will channel N$42.1 million in subsidies to MTC and Telecom for them to build more telecommunication infrastructure across the country and expand their network.
This was announced by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) this week, after completion of the bidding process for Phase Two (2) of the government-funded USF project.
The USF subsidy is aimed at expanding mobile broadband and voice infrastructure across underserved regions in Namibia.
The two telecommunications service providers have been awarded the USF subsidies for the deployment of vital infrastructure in key regions, including Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshikoto, Zambezi, and //Karas.
According to CRAN, the successful bidders are Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and Telecom Namibia Limited (TN). MTC was awarded subsidies for eight (8) sites, totalling N$32,326,727, while TN was awarded subsidies for three (3) sites, totalling N$9,796,650.
According to Mufaro Nesongano, executive for communication and consumer relations at CRAN, the initiative aims to enhance connectivity, bridge the digital divide, and promote socio-economic development in Namibia’s remote and underserved regions.
The sites awarded under this phase will facilitate the construction of new Radio Access Network (RAN) sites, providing improved mobile broadband and voice services.
At the same time, all educational and health facilities covered by these RAN sites will be connected and receive free services for a period of 7 years, says Nesongano.
Under phase 1 of the initiative, CRAN officially launched the USF Tower in Epinga, Ohangwena Region, on 19 November 2025, aiming to advance digital inclusion and extend essential communication services to underserved communities in the region.
The ICT Ministry also announced that through the USF programme, nine 4G mobile radio access towers have been approved for construction across the Kavango East, Kavango West, Oshikoto, Ohangwena, and Kunene regions.
Once completed, these towers will provide 4G connectivity to an additional 4,765 Namibians previously without network coverage, indicates CRAN. The programme is also set to provide free 4G voice and broadband services for seven years to sixteen schools and four clinics within these regions.
The government of Namibia has committed N$145 million towards extending connectivity nationwide with the hopes that the investment will have a lasting positive impact on Namibia’s socio-economic landscape.
