- Private operator Paratus introduces Namibia’s inaugural LTE mobile service, backed by over N$1.42 billion in investments and a unified digital platform.
- Symbolises a potential shift in Namibia’s telecoms landscape, with Paratus already eyeing a 5G future and stressing service quality over price wars.
What happened: Paratus launches first private 4G mobile network in Namibia
Africa-focused telecoms operator Paratus Group has officially launched Namibia’s first private mobile network, built entirely on 4G LTE technology—marking a direct challenge to state-owned incumbents MTC and Telecom Namibia ReutersCIO Africa. The company has invested approximately N$1.417 billion (roughly US $80.1 million) in its network infrastructure since 2018, with an additional N$600 million (about US $33.9 million) in the past year to build a cohesive digital technology stack developed with Cerillion and Nokia CIO Africa. The new service includes voice and data packages, Voice over LTE (VoLTE), Wi-Fi calling, and digital activation—all integrated into Paratus’s broader ecosystem of fibre, Sky-Fi wireless, satellite, and enterprise connectivity CIO Africa.
Also read: One Mobile Networks: Unified Communications in South
Also read: Telco OI: Réunion’s mobile network operator
Why it’s important
This milestone positions Paratus as the first private operator in Namibia’s mobile market, which has long been dominated by public entities ReutersEcofin. By entering the market with modern LTE solutions and digital services, Paratus signals a competitive shift that could elevate consumer expectations around speed, transparency, and convenience.
Moreover, the launch is not merely symbolic—it stems from decades of strategic investment. Paratus has built Namibia’s digital backbone, including fibre networks, satellite services, data centres such as the Tier-III Armada facility, and acting as the landing partner for Google’s Equiano subsea cable ParatusEnergy Capital & Power. BTW Media have revealed that this comprehensive infrastructure underpins its ability to deliver seamless, cross-border connectivity across 15 African markets CIO Africa.
Looking ahead, Paratus is already gearing up for 5G rollout. The company is expanding its fibre investments and advocating for open-access infrastructure sharing to avoid duplication and drive more affordable, widespread connectivity across Namibia BriefThe Namibian.
In essence, today’s launch is more than just a new network—it represents Paratus’s broader vision to accelerate Namibia’s digital transformation, offering an alternative built on infrastructure, innovation, and service excellence.
