…coverage to hit 50 major towns and 80 communities
In a landmark event that signals a new era for telecommunications in the country, Paratus Namibia has officially launched its nationwide mobile network, backed by a massive N$600 million investment. The launch, which coincides with the company’s 20th anniversary, promises to extend coverage to 50 major towns and 80 communities, fundamentally reshaping how Namibians connect and interact with the digital world.
The prestigious launch event, themed ‘Reflect. Celebrate. Power Your Next,’ was held on Tuesday evening at the Windhoek Country Club Resort. The occasion was graced by the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Emma Inamutila Theofelus, who served as the Guest of Honour.
Minister Theofelus congratulated Paratus on its dual achievement, stating, “On behalf of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, I wish to congratulate Paratus on its 20th year anniversary and for launching a mobile network marking a significant step in its digital journey.”
This new network is a bold step into the future, being built entirely on 4G LTE technology with no legacy 2G or 3G systems. This forward-looking approach makes Paratus the first operator in Namibia to deploy a network designed exclusively for the latest generation of smartphones and digital lifestyles.
The project’s extensive coverage focuses primarily on the east–west and Windhoek–Oshakati routes, with a secondary emphasis on the Windhoek–Noordoewer corridor. Paratus Group Executive Chairman, Barney Harmse, reflected on the company’s two-decade commitment to the nation, noting, “Since 2018, we have invested over N$1.417 billion in infrastructure. The new mobile network, supported by an additional N$600 million investment, is a major step forward in expanding access and enabling Namibians to fully embrace modern digital lifestyles.”
A significant portion of this investment, a third of the total, was dedicated to building a powerful digital technology stack that integrates all Paratus services into a single, customer-centric platform. Developed in partnership with Cerillion for the digital stack and Nokia for the mobile network, this system ensures a seamless, fully digital customer experience.
Andrew Hall, Paratus Namibia’s Managing Director, explained that the launch signals a decisive shift in customer experience. “Digital transformation is at the heart of everything we do. What began in the COVID era as a necessity has matured into a fully digital way of engaging with Paratus,” he said, paying tribute to his team’s dedication. “The Paratus team worked day and night, sacrificed holidays and family time, and their commitment has been nothing short of awe-inspiring.”
A key innovation of the new network is its pioneering data philosophy, which offers Namibians a real choice in how they consume data. The ‘Gigs Your Way’ model gives customers precise control over their data allocation, while ‘Uncapped Freedom’ offers time-based unlimited access, removing data anxiety altogether. These options are available across three service tiers: SHAP for Pre-Paid, ELEVATE for Month-to-Month, and VANTAGE for Post-Paid customers.
Beyond flexible data, the network delivers an unmatched experience with crystal-clear HD calls (VoLTE), seamless calling over Wi-Fi (VoWi-Fi), and instant eSIM activation in just ten minutes. The new Paratus App puts complete control at customers’ fingertips, allowing them to manage accounts, top up data, and purchase devices in real time.
This launch marks only Phase One of Paratus’s envisaged digital journey. The evolved platform is designed to future capabilities, including the use of AI and data analytics to further enhance products and services, promising an even more personalised and enhanced digital experience for all Namibians in the years to come.