Allexer Namundjembo
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has awarded nine new spectrum and broadcasting licences.
The licences cover mobile, fixed and satellite services. They form part of Cran’s efforts to improve telecommunications and broadcasting coverage across Namibia.
QTEL (Pty) Ltd received two licences. One allows the company to provide mobile international mobile telecommunications services in the 3300–3350 MHz frequency band.
The coverage includes Khomas, Erongo (excluding Walvis Bay), Otjozondjupa, Oshana, Kavango East, Omusati, Ohangwena, Oshikoto, Hardap and parts of the ||Kharas region. The second licence allows QTEL to provide fixed services in the same areas using several additional frequency channels.
“The awarding of these licences is part of CRAN’s ongoing mandate to expand telecommunications coverage and improve service delivery across Namibia,” said Tulimevava Mufeti, chairperson of Cran’s board, who signed the government gazette dated 9 January.
In broadcasting, the International University of Management received one FM radio licence to operate in Ohangwena, ||Kharas, Omaheke, Kavango West and Erongo, extending its regional footprint.
The Namibian Broadcasting Corporation was granted one national fixed satellite licence, allowing it to extend coverage of its services.
Four national fixed satellite licences were awarded to Oblixx Communications Networks CC, Rocketnet Internet Namibia (Pty) Ltd, Echo Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd and Blue Telecommunications (Pty) Ltd.
These licences allow the companies to provide satellite services using KU-band frequencies.
Terminal Investment Namibia (Pty) Ltd received one licence to provide mobile services within the Walvis Bay Port container terminal.
“The full reasons for each licensing decision can be requested from the Authority, and affected parties may petition for reconsideration within 90 days, in accordance with the Communications Act,” Mufeti said.
Cran also renewed Shipi FM’s community broadcasting licence and invited public comments on proposed tariffs submitted by Oblixx Communications Networks CC for low-earth orbit satellite services.
Cran chief executive officer Emilia Nghikembua said all submissions must be clear, concise and submitted within the stipulated period to be considered.
Cran said the latest licence awards support its broader goal of fair spectrum allocation, stronger communications infrastructure and wider access to broadcasting and internet services across the country.
