Millions to boost rural mobile coverage
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has announced the successful bidders for Phase Two of the Government-funded Universal Service Fund (USF) project, which aims to expand mobile broadband and voice services to underserved communities across the country.After an evaluation process, two telecommunications providers have been awarded subsidies to roll out new infrastructure in key regions, including Kavango East and West, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshikoto, Zambezi and //Kharas. The total subsidy allocated for this phase amounts to over N$42 million.
“The successful bidders are Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), which has been awarded eight sites totalling N$32 million and Telecom Namibia Limited (TN), which has been awarded three sites totalling N$9 million,” Mufaro Nesongano, CRAN’s Executive for Communication and Consumer Relations said.
The initiative is designed to boost connectivity, close the digital divide and support socio-economic development in remote and underserved regions. The funded sites will allow for the construction of new Radio Access Network (RAN) facilities, improving access to mobile broadband and voice services. All schools and health facilities within these coverage areas will also be connected and receive free services for seven years.
CRAN also marked a major achievement with the launch of the first Phase One USF tower in Epinga, Ohangwena Region, earlier this week.