Namibian operator Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) says it has launched a strategic rural network optimisation initiative following a comprehensive network audit in northern Namibia. The audit aimed to gain first-hand insight into coverage gaps and service quality challenges in underserved and uncovered rural areas.
The audit, which covered more than 2,000 kilometres across the towns of Outapi and Oshakati and the cities of Rundu, and Katima Mulilo, forms part of MTC’s broader goal to improve connectivity and service delivery, particularly in areas where customer complaints regarding poor signal and inconsistent data access have been on the rise.
Led by MTC’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, Monica Nehemia, and conducted in collaboration with network partner Huawei, the field exercise focused on identifying infrastructural and technical shortcomings affecting quality of service.
The assessment revealed that some towers in rural regions are not adequately positioned, with several sites featuring low antenna heights and limited access to 4G/LTE technology. In certain locations, mobile towers rely only on GSM or 3G configurations, and LTE signals were found to be servicing smaller ranges than prescribed, impacting performance. Inconsistencies in power settings and antenna directions along key travel corridors also contributed to reduced service quality.
MTC has responded by unveiling the Buffalo Project, a targeted intervention named after the strength and resilience symbolised by the buffalo. This initiative will focus on improving elevation and coverage by increasing tower heights, relocating sites where necessary, upgrading rural areas with 4G LTE, and enhancing service reliability in underserved communities across the north. Project Bufalo will further be extended to the other parts of the country, where similar challenges are experienced.
MTC says the Buffalo Project is aligned with its long-term network expansion ambitions after the successful deployment of its 081Every1 programme, which seeks to bring full population coverage to Namibia.
