Africa-focused telecom operator Paratus Group has launched the first private mobile network in Namibia, challenging a market long dominated by state-owned MTC and Telecom Namibia.
Why it matters
- Paratus’ entry marks the first time Namibia’s mobile sector has seen private competition, potentially disrupting a landscape where MTC alone serves more than two million subscribers in a country of just over three million people.
- The company’s 4G LTE-only network leapfrogs legacy 2G and 3G infrastructure, aligning with a regional push to phase out older technology.
Zoom in
- Paratus has invested N$1.42 billion ($81 million) into its Namibian operations.
- The network is designed to attract a younger, tech-savvy demographic looking for faster and more reliable mobile services.
The bigger picture
- South Africa plans to shut down 2G and 3G networks by December 2027 to clear spectrum for 4G and 5G, a move critics warn could worsen the digital divide by leaving behind consumers who can’t afford newer smartphones.
- By building exclusively on 4G LTE, Paratus is betting that Namibia’s market is ready to skip legacy technologies altogether.
What they’re saying
“Launching Namibia’s first private mobile network is a deliberate step in our mission to transform Africa’s digital landscape,” said Paratus Group CEO Schalk Erasmus.
What’s next
Paratus, already active in 15 African countries including South Africa, Kenya and Angola, is expected to push harder into consumer mobile markets across the continent.
Source: Yahoo Finance
