26 March 2025

CRAN has revoked the spectrum licenses previously granted to Telecom Namibia Limited, impacting frequencies in the 3405-3227 MHz and 3505-3547 MHz bands.

“The cancellation of these spectrum licenses represents an important step in our regulatory oversight of the telecommunications sector. We are committed to ensuring that all service providers operate within the legal framework and that customers receive support throughout this transition. Our goal is to maintain high standards of service delivery and protect consumer interests,” said Emilia Nghikembua, CEO of CRAN.

WiMAX, which enables high-speed internet access over long distances without needing wired connections like fibre optics or ADSL, has been a crucial technology, particularly in areas where wired network installations are challenging or cost prohibitive. However, as advancements in technology have emerged, particularly with the rollout of 4G LTE and 5G networks, WiMAX has become outdated, failing to meet modern demands for speed and reliability — key requirements for activities such as streaming, cloud computing, and online gaming. Moreover, the decline in manufacturer support for WiMAX technology has made it increasingly difficult to source replacement components.

While the decision to phase out WiMAX is aligned with technological progress, CRAN acknowledges that the transition may pose challenges, particularly for rural areas that lack adequate alternatives. The shift to 4G and 5G infrastructures necessitates substantial investments from both telecom operators and the government.

To facilitate this transition, CRAN has outlined a timeline for the migration of services. Telecom Namibia Limited has been given six months from October 2024 to transition services in urban areas of the Khomas, Erongo, Kavango West, and Oshana regions. The operator has nine months to migrate services in urban areas across the remaining regions. For rural areas, a longer migration period of 24 months has been allocated to ensure that all residents across Namibia can smoothly adapt to the changes.

This strategic move signals CRAN's dedication to fostering a modern, robust telecommunications environment in Namibia, ultimately aiming to enhance service delivery and consumer satisfaction across the nation.