from ALFRED SHILONGO in Windhoek, Namibia
Namibia Bureau
WINDHOEK, (CAJ News) – NAMIBIA has reached a milestone in bridging the digital divide by launching the first network tower under the Universal Service Fund (USF).
The government has commissioned the facility in Epinga, Omundaungilo constituency in the northern, agricultural Ohangwena region.
Festus Ikanda, Omundaungilo councillor, speaking at the launch on Wednesday, hailed the tower as a “monumental gift.”
“This structure of steel and wire is far more than a technical installation. It is a gateway to progress and a powerful symbol of development and a bridge across the digital divide,” he said.
Emma Theofelus, the Minister of Information and Communication Technology, presided over the launch.
“The USF Epinga Tower will help ensure that no Namibian is left behind and that rural and underserved communities are fully included in our digital progress,” she said in her keynote address.
The site provides for 4G broadband data and voice services to members of the community and key public institutions including schools and clinics.
The Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), through the USF donated 100 smartphones, donated by operator, MTC.
USF is an initiative managed by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) to provide subsidies to telecommunication licensees to expand services to remote and underserved areas in the Southern African country.
Launched in early 2025 with N$145 million (US$8,42 million) in seed funding from the government, the fund aims to bridge Namibia’s digital divide by making telecommunications infrastructure, such as base stations, more accessible and commercially viable in these regions.
– CAJ News