02 November 2023

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has concluded the auction of frequency spectrum in the 700MHz and 800MHz bands.

The transaction, which raised 28.5 million Namibian dollars, awarded 5G mobile technology licenses to Telecom Namibia (TN) and MTC, as well as to internet service provider Loc8 Mobile.

Loc8 paid NAD 5.1 million for lot A consisting of 2 x 20MHz in the 700MHz band. TN won lot B consisting of two blocks of 2 x 10MHz in the 700-800MHz band with an offer of 8 million NAD. MTC obtained 2 x 20MHz in the 800MHz band (lot C) for 15.4 million NAD. Spectrum licenses are valid for 10 years and can be renewed for a similar period. They may also be cancelled or transferred in accordance with regulations.

The CRAN authorized the experimentation of 5G services/networks for three months through to 31 December 2023. In addition, the regulator required license holders to increase the coverage of the population in 4G, particularly in the regions of Kunene, Zambezi, Otjozondjupa, Omaheke, Hardap and Kavango West, where less than 80% of the population is covered. Licensees are required to provide 4G and 5G mobile services with a downlink data speed of 20Mbps or higher, and that meet quality of service (QoS) regulations.

The award of 5G licenses is an important milestone in the regulator’s vision to improve access to telecommunications services in Namibia and accelerate the fourth industrial revolution.