Network woes persist despite expansion plans

Despite efforts by the communication and technology ministry and PowerCom to improve network connectivity, poor service continues to plague several northern regions.PowerCom announced plans to construct about 20 network towers across the country, valued at N$32 million, during its 2023–2024 financial year. However, connectivity challenges persist, prompting concerns from regional leaders.At a recent stakeholder meeting with MTC, Zambezi regional leaders voiced frustration over inadequate network coverage. They stressed that the issue is not limited to remote areas but extends to Katima Mulilo, the region’s main town.PowerCom CEO Beatus Amadhila last year reaffirmed the company’s commitment to infrastructure expansion. Speaking at a groundbreaking ceremony in Mupini, Kavango West, last year, Amadhila outlined PowerCom’s investment strategy.“These sites are spread across various regions. This follows the construction of 19 new sites during the 2021–2022 financial year at a cost of N$30 million, symbolised by the launch of our Okahandja Veddersdal Tower in June 2022. During the 2022–2023 financial year, PowerCom invested N$11.2 million to construct seven additional sites nationwide,” he said at the time.He said over the next two financial years, PowerCom aims to invest approximately N$80 million to build 50 new towers across Namibia. “These accomplishments and plans highlight our broader strategy to enhance nationwide connectivity as we work to address the deficit of approximately 500 towers required by our shareholder within the current strategic plan cycle."Committed Communication technology minister Emma Theofelus echoed these sentiments at the same event last year, emphasising the government’s commitment to equitable access to services, regardless of location.She added that expanding network infrastructure is critical, especially given that 71.1% of Namibia’s population is under 35 – the digital generation.Despite these initiatives, residents in Zambezi, Kavango East and Kavango West continue to grapple with poor network connectivity.Hurdles Kavango West governor Sirkka Ausiku has repeatedly highlighted how poor network services hinder regional development. She noted that the lack of telecommunications infrastructure is a major obstacle.In her state of the region address last year, Ausiku underlined that communication remains a challenge. "According to the Namibia Statistics Agency, 29.1% of our population has no access to mobile communication. While we appreciate the ongoing construction of new towers, we still urge for the expansion of local radio coverage, currently at 78%, and television coverage at 74.5,” she said at the time.Meanwhile, Kavango East governor Bonifatius Wakudumo recently emphasised his region’s commitment to network expansion. He highlighted the deployment of 4G/LTE in several key locations, including schools and hospitals.“Moreover, a new tower was commissioned at Ncushe Village in the Mashare constituency, bringing total population network coverage to 94.84%,” Wakudumo said.nikanor@nmh-hub.com.na

Network woes persist despite expansion plans

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-12

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Network woes persist despite expansion plans

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Namibian Sun 2025-03-12

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