Allexer Namundjembo
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran) has opened a 14-day public comment period on three new spectrum licence applications.
The applications were submitted by the International University of Management (IUM), Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), and the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC).
The announcement was made in a recent government gazette issued on 3 October 2025.
Cran chief executive officer Emilia Nghikembua said the process is part of promoting transparency and public participation in the allocation of spectrum licences.
“These notices are published in accordance with regulation 4(7) of the regulations prescribing procedures regarding application for, amendment, renewal, transfer and cancellation of spectrum licences under the Communications Act of 2009,” Nghikembua wrote in the gazette.
She said public participation is key to ensuring that spectrum allocation remains fair and beneficial to all Namibians.
“Spectrum management plays a crucial role in supporting digital transformation and economic growth,” she said.
IUM has applied for FM broadcasting frequencies across the Ohangwena, ||Kharas, Omaheke, Kavango West, and Erongo Regions, with output powers ranging from 250 to 1,000 watts.
MTC is seeking a national licence in the 2,348–2,408 MHz band to strengthen mobile broadband services.
NBC’s application focuses on fixed satellite services, with uplink at 14.062 GHz and downlink at 11.012 GHz, aimed at improving national broadcasting through satellite technology.
Cran invited interested parties to submit objections or comments, along with contact details, either by hand at its Windhoek office, by post, or by email to licensing@cran.na.
Applicants may respond to comments within 14 days after the public comment period ends.
Cran’s spectrum licensing process is based on the Communications Act No. 8 of 2009, which established Cran as an independent regulator for telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services.
Under the Act, Cran manages the country’s radio frequency spectrum by granting “right-of-use” licences for broadcasting, mobile, and satellite services.
In recent years, Namibia has seen major changes in how spectrum is managed. In 2023, CRAN conducted a spectrum auction and issued 5G licences to Telecom Namibia, MTC, and Loc8 Mobile, marking a key step in expanding next-generation mobile services.
Cran has also enforced licence conditions, such as rural coverage requirements and 4G/5G rollout obligations in underserved regions.
In January 2024, it cancelled spectrum licences held by UCOM Mobile Namibia (formerly MTN Business Namibia) for non-payment of fees and underutilisation of allocated spectrum.
Broadcasting applicants in Namibia must also meet local ownership rules, with at least 51% Namibian ownership, and provide technical plans, business proposals, and coverage maps.
The regulator may request more information or site-sharing agreements before final approval.
