Private company Paratus introduces Namibia's initial independent mobile network
Paratus Group, a leading digital service provider in Africa, has made a significant stride by launching Namibia's first private mobile network. This move marks a deliberate step in their mission to transform the digital landscape across the continent.
Schalk Erasmus, the CEO of Paratus Group, announced the launch, stating that it is a strategic move to revolutionise the digital landscape in Africa. Paratus is currently active in 15 African countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Angola.
The new mobile network, which operates on a 4G LTE-only network, leapfrogs legacy 2G and 3G infrastructure. By building exclusively on 4G LTE, Paratus is betting that Namibia's market is ready to skip legacy technologies altogether.
The entry of Paratus marks the first time Namibia's mobile sector has seen private competition. The company's N$1.42 billion ($81 million) investment into its Namibian operations signifies a commitment to providing quality digital services.
The network is designed to attract a younger, tech-savvy demographic, potentially disrupting Namibia's mobile sector landscape. The mobile network challenges a market long dominated by state-owned MTC and Telecom Namibia.
Meanwhile, South Africa plans to shut down its 2G and 3G networks by December 2027 to clear spectrum for 4G and 5G. Critics warn that this move could worsen the digital divide by leaving behind consumers who can't afford newer smartphones. Paratus' 4G LTE-only network could provide an alternative for these consumers.
The launch of the mobile network in Namibia is significant, marking the first of its kind in the country. As Paratus pushes harder into consumer mobile markets across the continent, the digital landscape in Africa is set for transformation.
