After securing licenses to operate both 4G and 5G spectrum over several years, Loc8 has now joined the ranks of the country’s licensed 5G providers, becoming the third operator alongside Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) and Telecom Namibia.
Initially founded as a software company specialising in geo-location technology for apps in 2016, Loc8 has shifted its focus towards telecommunications, securing spectrum licenses from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN). The regulator has allocated spectrum in the 703–788MHz and 790–862MHz bands, with licenses requiring operators to meet a minimum download speed of 20Mbps, ensuring a certain quality of service.
MTC was the first to deploy commercial 5G services in August this year, and Loc8 is set to be the second, competing with Telecom Namibia to go live in early 2026. CEO Collin Uirab indicated that Loc8 already has a commercial component operational and plans to focus on connecting urban consumers and industries, with a particular emphasis on Internet of Things (IoT) applications in sectors such as mining.
Uirab also noted that the company has secured multiple fibre routes and direct access to subsea cables, aiming to bolster network resilience and support future growth. Meanwhile, Paratus has recently announced plans to establish Namibia’s first private 5G network, further signalling the country’s rapid adoption of advanced wireless technologies.
