Namibia’s information and communication technology (ICT) sector will undergo changes in 2026, including the rollout of 5G services.
This will introduce low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite internet and the phase-out of 2G and 3G mobile networks in Namibia.
In a statement issued by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (Cran), chief executive Emilia Nghikembua says the developments build on key milestones recorded in 2025.
This includes the entry of a third mobile operator and a universal service fund, the adoption of e-SIM technology, and the licensing of future networks, which are expected to intensify competition and accelerate digital transformation.
“Competition in the ICT sector will intensify as operators expand 5G services and invest in infrastructure to comply with policy directives,” she says.
“Services must deliver minimum download speeds of 25 Megabits per second (Mbps) by October 2026.”
Mbps measure internet connection speed, indicating how many millions of bits of data are transferred per second.
Operators will be required to modernise infrastructure to meet national broadband targets, Nghikembua says.
Beyond consumer broadband, 5G technology, which provides high-speed, always-on internet access, is expected to enable industrial applications in sectors such as transport, logistics, mining, agriculture, health and education.
The Namibia Ports Authority and Terminal Investments Namibia have already acquired licences to deploy private 5G networks for operational use.
In January, Cran issued spectrum licences for OneWeb LEO satellite services to Echo Telecommunications, Oblixx Communications Networks, Rocketnet Internet Namibia, and Blue Telecommunications to expand connectivity in remote and rural areas.
Nghikembua says service quality, network resilience and data protection will be critical as the sector modernises.
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