MTC to cover 100% of population

MTC to cover 100% of population Mobile Telecommunications Limited this week announced plans to invest N$1.1 billion in expanding its network capacity through the 081EVERY1 project, which the company describe as the beginning of a journey towards 100% percent population density coverage.

The undertaking of this billion-dollar project is slated to commence in October 2017 and will run until October 2019, according to acting CEO Thinus Smit.

MTC will construct over 524 new sites which will see it increasing its footprints towards a tenfold network standard set to benefit the remote and rural areas. A total of 412 new sites will be built in rural areas and 88 new sites in urban areas in all 14 regions of Namibia.

The project will see the introduction of 3G broadband in major rural areas, especially in areas previously only serviced before by 2G.

Currently, MTC has 3G and 4G coverage in urban areas and limited coverage in most rural areas, which are covered by 2G. The aim with this investment is to have the same technology needs move to rural areas.

“With the increasing usage of smartphones and rise in mobile broadband, MTC saw the need to enhance the quality of its network for greater customer satisfaction. There is a noticeable rapid growth in technology, where customers engage in an increasing number of ways with the network and this enhanced network coverage project will aid these communications,” Smit said.

Board chairperson Elvis Nashilongo pointed out that quality of network infrastructure was the foundation of digitisation. According to him, the network connects Namibians both globally and locally, allowing us all to benefit from the information society.

“Poor network coverage has been one of the main customer complaints and as MTC took the customers' requests seriously, this billion-dollar project has been introduced.

“We are fully aware of the advance and ever-changing telecommunications technology, and last year's 4.5G trial is an indication that MTC will always strive to keep up with the latest technology,” Nashilongo said.

“As a board we wish to ensure that MTC's strategic mission continues to resonate with customers' expectation for affordable and practical telecommunication services,” he said.

STAFF REPORTER