The Namibian mobile operator MTC announced on February 25, 2020, the completion of phase 1 of its network modernization project called 081Every1 and the launch of phase 2.
Initiated in August 2017, the multi-million dollar project, the implementation of which has been entrusted to 17 local companies, aims to improve Namibians’ access to quality telecom services; it provides for the construction of a total of 524 telecom sites across the country, to provide 3G in rural areas and 4G in urban areas.
According to Tim Ekandjo, director of institutional affairs and spokesperson for MTC, a total of 132 sites have been deployed, beyond the initial target of 111 sites.
“Of the 132 sites, 122 are in service and carrying traffic, 10 others are already fully built and just waiting to be supplied with electricity, and three sites operate on MTC generators. We are satisfied with the progress we have made so far and are confident that all sites will be commissioned by the end of March 2020, “ he said.
As for the second phase, it concerns the construction of a total of 102 sites by the end of September 2020. Of the 102 sites in this phase, 87 will be built in rural areas while 15 will be in urban areas.
Tim Ekandjo, in the light of the acts of vandalism of which the TCM equipment is victim, in particular the theft of batteries, called the populations to more responsibility by denouncing those who make them. He underlined that the accomplice silence harms the investments of the telecoms company and also their own access to the telecoms.