Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) has launched a rural network optimisation initiative to address coverage gaps and service quality challenges in underserved and uncovered rural areas.
This comes after an audit in northern Namibia which covered more than 2 000 kilometres across Outapi, Oshakati, Rundu, and Katima Mulilo.
The audit 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.
According to a statement by MTC, the assessment revealed that some towers in rural regions are not adequately positioned due to historical infrastructure, 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 minimal ranges than prescribed, impacting performance,” the statement notes.
It further states that inconsistencies in power settings and antenna directions along key travel corridors also contributed to reduced service quality.
The audit was conducted in collaboration with network partner Huawei.
To address these issues MTC has launched the Buffalo Project, an initiative focused 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 northern Namibia.
“The project marks a bold step toward closing the digital divide and ensuring that rural communities benefit from the same quality of connectivity enjoyed in urban centres. Project Buffalo will further be extended to the other parts of the country, where similar challenges are experienced,” reads the statement.
The Buffalo Project is aligned with MTC’s long-term network expansion ambitions after the successful deployment of the 081Every1 programme, which seeks to bring full population coverage to Namibia.
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