LOCAL telecommunications firm Paratus Telecom is on a mission to conquer the African market.
Schalk Erasmus, the chief operations officer at Paratus, told The Namibian this week that they plan to expand into a number of African countries.
The company has already opened an office in Gaborone, Botswana, and plans to expand and launch the business officially in due course.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the company has rolled out fibre and VSAT services through partners, and is now able to offer connectivity services in that country.
Erasmus said the company also plans to establish a point of presence (POP) in Accra, Ghana and expand accordingly.
Furthermore, the company recently established a POP in Blantyre, and is now offering both fibre and VSAT services in Malawi.
In Mozambique, the company has connected Maputo to its global network, and offers both VSAT and fibre services.
“We also have various projects in the existing markets, where we have operations and are already providing services. Part of our expansion plans in Namibia is to extend its LTE (4G) footprint and coverage. We also actively deploy fibre services in various countries,” said Erasmus.
Paratus Telecom has invested over N$200 million over the last two years into telecommunications infrastructure, and plans to invest over US$30 million in the next two years, he added.
“These funds will be sourced from various sources, including existing shareholders, commercial and development banks as well as potential equity partners.”
Paratus recently entered the South African market, perhaps the most developed telecoms market in Africa.
When asked how the company hopes to compete with giant South African companies, Erasmus said South Africa will play a major role in the group, which will act as both a sales office and service centre to pan-African companies.
“We have realised that various pan-African companies are traditionally a South African-based company with head offices in South Africa. This enables us to provide a better service to these companies.”
Paratus Telecom entered the South African market by acquiring Maxwell Technology Limited, a full-spectrum end-to-end connectivity solutions provider.
They furthermore aim to be the connectivity solutions facilitator of choice for all companies expanding into Africa. With a presence in over 22 countries, it is well positioned to address any connectivity requirements.
The company has 3 000 active satellite terminals across Africa, and is the second largest operator of iDirect Hubs providing communication services to Africa. It operates hubs in the UK, South Africa, Angola and Namibia.
Paratus was founded as Internet Technologies Namibia in 2005 as the first privately and 100% wholly owned Namibian telecommunications operator.
In 2012, Paratus was issued with a Class Comprehensive Telecommunications Service Licence, following further expansion of its 4G network.
In February this year, Paratus’ Namibian competitor, MTC Namibia, said its N$1 billion investment to expand 3G/4G network would hang in the balance due to a lack of spectrum if the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia did not allocate MTC the additional spectrum required to implement the project.
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
