The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) adopted a holistic approach in determining a roadmap for the release of spectrum for the period 2022 to 2024. This was designed to provide Licensees with regulatory certainty on the available spectrum for assignment to facilitate the rollout of telecommunications networks, and implementation of emerging technologies, platforms, and applications for the benefit of the end user.
In line with the roadmap, CRAN concluded the auction for spectrum below 1 GHz on 29 September 2023 by assigning spectrum to Loc8 Mobile (Pty) Ltd (Lot A), Telecom Namibia Limited (Lot B) and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (C).
The total auction proceeds for all three lots was approximately N$28,500,000.00 (twenty-eight million five hundred thousand Namibian dollars).
CRAN said it is pleased with the interest expressed by the telecommunications sector to acquire this spectrum for the rollout of 4G and 5G services for urban and rural communities.
The award of these Spectrum Licences will support the rollout of emerging mobile technologies, supporting both universal access in rural areas and providing for the inclusivity of all Namibians to foster participation in the digital economy going forward.
To improve universal access, CRAN imposed licence conditions on successful bidders to increase 4G population coverage in the Kunene, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Hardap and Kavango West Regions. These regions were identified as they currently have 4G population coverage of below 80%, and the conditions imposed shall require bidders to improve coverage to 80% and above.
“This award is an important milestone in CRAN’s vision to improve access to telecommunications services in Namibia and is a right step towards the attainment of the fourth industrial revolution,” stated Emilia Nghikembua, Chief Executive Officer, CRAN.
The award aims to enhance technological innovation, through the deployment of 5G use cases in industries such as agriculture, education, health, and e-government services. CRAN therefore, also authorised the testing/trial for 5G services/networks for a period of three (3) months, until 31 December 2023.
“This authorisation is aligned to the 5G Strategy and the Broadband Policy and reaffirms our commitment to promote technological innovation and the deployment of advanced facilities to respond to the diverse needs of industry and support the social and economic growth in Namibia,” stated Nghikembua.
As a dynamic regulator of the ICT sector, CRAN remains committed and instrumental in harnessing the power of ICT, moving beyond the constraints of “place” and “time”, and transforming Namibia and its people into an active knowledge-based society that derives the full socio-economic benefits of ICTs.