The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has expressed strong support for the expansion of the country’s telecommunications sector, stating that the market can accommodate additional service providers. This announcement follows the official launch of Paratus Namibia’s mobile services in September, positioning the company as Namibia’s third mobile network operator.
Paratus enters the market with a significant technological advantage, operating exclusively on a modern 4G LTE infrastructure, entirely bypassing legacy 2G and 3G systems. This positions the company to deliver faster and more reliable connectivity from the outset.
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CRAN believes the introduction of a new player like Paratus will enhance market competition, which, in turn, is expected to lower prices and improve the quality of services available to Namibian consumers. CRAN CEO, Emilia Nghikembua, emphasized that increased consumer choice is vital for a healthy market environment:
“With Paratus now joining MTC and Telecom Namibia, consumers are no longer limited to just one or two providers. Greater choice naturally fosters competition, and with that comes better quality of service and more affordable pricing.”
MTC currently holds a dominant position in the market, commanding approximately 91% of the mobile subscriber base. Telecom Namibia, though active and licensed, holds a smaller share. The arrival of Paratus is seen as a crucial step toward levelling the playing field and breaking the current duopoly.
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Nghikembua highlighted that this period marks a significant milestone in Namibia’s telecom sector. She credited ongoing regulatory efforts, which have opened the market, encouraged innovation, and ensured that consumers reap the benefits of a more competitive environment, adding that:
“Our strategy has always been focused on liberalizing the telecommunications space, and what we are seeing now is the direct result of that vision—new investments, technological advancement, and increased opportunities for users.”
The CRAN CEO also reiterated the regulator’s core mandate to act in the public interest. She noted that the evolution currently underway in the telecoms landscape is a reflection of CRAN’s commitment to that responsibility.
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“Competition should not be viewed as a threat. On the contrary, it’s essential for growth. Ultimately, the real winners are the consumers who gain access to better services at more affordable rates,” Nghikembua added.
Paratus has already achieved approximately 70% national network coverage and has ambitious plans to expand its reach further. The company is preparing to launch 5G services in the near future. This move follows MTC’s recent rollout of its own 5G network, while Telecom Namibia is also in the process of upgrading its infrastructure to remain competitive.
