Telecom shortcomings to be addressed through CRAN's second phase USF deployment
Namibia's Universal Service Fund (USF) rollout in underserved communities has revealed significant gaps in internet and voice services, with many institutions lacking reliable connectivity. A comprehensive site verification exercise conducted by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) revealed that out of 23 schools visited, 14 had no network connectivity and nine had intermittent service; additionally, both clinics had no voice or data connectivity [2][5].
The challenging landscape of Namibia, with vast deserts and mountains, has made infrastructure deployment costly and often commercially unviable. Existing connections rely heavily on Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite links or Point-to-Point (P2P) connections, which deliver slow and unreliable broadband [1][2].
To address these gaps, the government has committed N$145 million over three years through the USF for ICT infrastructure improvement aimed at remote areas. The rollout strategy emphasizes infrastructure sharing to avoid resource duplication, for example, ensuring different network operators build towers in separate locations to cover more areas effectively [1].
Potential solutions also include expanding mobile broadband and voice service coverage through a phased rollout, with the recent assessment of 16 sites informing targeted deployment [2][5]. Implementing national policies to facilitate infrastructure sharing, reducing costs and improving coverage efficiency, is another potential solution [1]. Strengthening regulatory oversight by CRAN and continued engagement with stakeholders to ensure strategic alignment and governance in line with Namibia’s digital transformation goals is also crucial [3].
These efforts aim to bridge the digital divide by enabling access to education, health information, and economic opportunities through improved connectivity for underserved and unserved communities across the country's diverse regions [1][2][3].
The site verification exercise was conducted by CRAN from 28 April to 23 May 2025. The team used GPS applications for detailed site planning during the exercise, which focused on assessing 16 proposed sites for the upcoming Phase two (2) of the USF rollout [4].
The lack of connectivity in these regions stifles economic opportunities in these communities. The slow and unreliable broadband service also hinders access to essential services such as education and healthcare. The USF rollout is a significant step towards addressing these challenges and ensuring that all Namibians have access to the digital world.
References: [1] Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia. (2025). Universal Service Fund (USF) Rollout Strategy. Retrieved from https://www.cran.na/usf-rollout-strategy
[2] Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. (2025). Universal Service Fund (USF) Rollout: Key Findings from Site Verification Exercise. Retrieved from https://www.mic.gov.na/usf-rollout-key-findings
[3] Ministry of Information and Communication Technology. (2025). Digital Namibia: Strategic Alignment and Governance Framework. Retrieved from https://www.mic.gov.na/digital-namibia-strategic-alignment-and-governance-framework
[4] Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia. (2025). USF Rollout Site Verification Exercise Report. Retrieved from https://www.cran.na/usf-rollout-site-verification-exercise-report
- The USF rollout's strategy in Namibia includes expanding mobile broadband and voice service coverage, aiming to bridge the digital divide and provide reliable connectivity for education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
- To avoid resource duplication, the USF rollout strategy in remote areas encourages infrastructure sharing, for instance, by ensuring different network operators build towers in separate locations.
- The government's commitment to improving ICT infrastructure, as demonstrated through the USF, includes the implementation of technology such as satellite connections (VSAT) and Point-to-Point (P2P) links to strengthen connectivity in underserved communities.
