The Communication Regulatory Authority (Cran) has awarded N$42 million in Universal Service Fund (USF) subsidies to MTC and Telecom Namibia (TN) to expand connectivity infrastructure across remote regions.
The allocation follows the conclusion of the bidding process of phase two of the USF project.
The subsidies will enable the deployment of crucial infrastructure in the Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshikoto, Zambezi, Kavango East and West and ||Kharas regions.
The USF project aims to enhance connectivity, bridge the digital divide and promote socio-economic development in remote and underserved regions.
Cran spokesperson Mufaro Nesongano in a statement on Thursday says MTC is awarded subsidies for eight sites, totaling about N$33 million, while TN will get three sites at a cost of about N$10 million.
“The total subsidy amount allocated for this phase is N$42 million. The sites awarded under this phase will facilitate the construction of new radio access network (RAN) sites, providing improved mobile broadband and voice services,” he says.
Nesongano says educational and health facilities covered by RAN sites will be connected and will receive free services for seven years.
Phase one of the project was launched in the Ohangwena region on Wednesday, a major step in advancing digital inclusion and extending essential communication services to underserved communities.
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