MTC rolls 5G to more towns

MTC is strengthening its network under the second phase of its 5G deployment by rolling out 19 new sites across nine regions to expand coverage and meet growing traffic demand, comprising eight sites in Erongo, four in Kavango West, and one each in //Kharas, Kavango East, Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Oshikoto and Otjozondjupa.

The expansion also strengthened MTC’s existing 5G presence in Windhoek and Walvis Bay.

This follows the successful introduction of 5G technology in 2025 to the towns of Grootfontein, Mariental, Okahandja, Otjiwarongo and Tsumeb.

The telecommunication company said that it is continuing to strengthen its national network footprint through a series of infrastructure expansion and modernisation initiatives aimed at improving coverage, increasing network capacity and enhancing the overall customer experience across Namibia.

Commenting on the network developments, Ludwig Heinrich Tjitandi, the General Manager for Networks, said: “Our network investment is ultimately about ensuring that Namibians have access to reliable, high-quality connectivity as demand continues to grow.

“While expanding our 5G footprint is an important part of that journey, we are equally focused on strengthening our existing network, expanding coverage and modernising our infrastructure.

“These investments are about building a network that meets the needs of our customers today while preparing Namibia for the connectivity demands of tomorrow.”

The latest rollout builds on MTC’s 5G journey, which began with Namibia’s first public 5G trial in 2024, conducted in partnership with Huawei and achieving speeds of approximately 1.4 Gbps.

This was followed by the commercial rollout in 2025, with the first phase comprising 40 sites across Windhoek, Hosea Kutako, Walvis Bay, Swakopmund, Oshakati, Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Rundu, Keetmanshoop, Lüderitz, Oranjemund and Karibib.

Beyond 5G, MTC has continued investing in the capacity and resilience of its broader network. During 2026, the company carried out 4G/LTE capacity upgrades at 20 sites to accommodate growing network demand and improve the user experience.

MTC also replaced end-of-life equipment at 25 sites as part of its network modernisation programme, reducing operational risks, improving service quality and preparing the network for future technologies.

As part of efforts to extend connectivity to underserved areas, MTC was awarded N$32.3 million under Phase 2 of the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia’s Universal Service Fund programme for the deployment of nine network solutions comprising 10 towers.

The infrastructure is distributed across //Kharas, Kavango West, Kunene, Ohangwena and Oshikoto.

In addition, eight existing towers are being replaced, primarily in the Erongo Region, as well as in Khomas, Omusati and Zambezi. The replacements address deteriorating infrastructure, particularly in coastal areas, while also improving network coverage where required.

Through these investments, MTC continues to expand and modernise its network infrastructure to respond to growing connectivity needs and support Namibia’s continued digital transformation.

In the photo: MTC’s head office at the corner of Mose Tjitendero and Hamutenya Wanehepo Ndadi Street in Olympia, Windhoek.