OKADHIYA – The Minister of Information and Communication Technology Peya Mushelenga on Tuesday inaugurated MTC’s1 000th network tower in the country at Okadhiya in Okatyali Constituency in Oshana.

The network tower is part of the 081Every1 project, which kicked off in 2017.

So far, N$700 million has been pumped into the project.

Okadhiya, a grazing area, is mostly occupied by farmers and cattle herders.

Speaking at the occasion, Mushelenga said the inauguration of the network tower at Okadhiya, which is part of the 081Every1 national objectives to provide network coverage to under-served rural areas, symbolises the
growth of communication infrastructure in the country, which is fundamental to economic development.

To this end, 268 network sites have been constructed across the country, while 24 sites are still under construction.

In Oshana, 64 sites have been constructed, of which 22 are in rural areas.

“As the country is about to celebrate its 33rd Independence
Day, it should be reflected in its developmental programmes, of which telecommunications infrastructure is one. The 081Every1 project is a national capital project, driven to connect every citizen on the country’s national network grid from 2G to 3G migration in rural areas, and 3G to 4G in towns.

This is an investment the ministry will always support in fostering a digitally enabled economy,” Mushelenga said.

The minister applauded MTC for connecting the communities and in so doing bringing people closer to the elimination of information gaps between urban and rural areas, rich and poor, as well as the privileged and disadvantaged.

In addition, the minister said consultations for consideration to roll out the 5G network stakeholders are still ongoing.

The 5G network will pave way for the fourth industrial revolution (4IR).

“The use of advanced 4IR capabilities, enabled by 5G technology, means that traditional services, such as mobile connectivity and fixed-line broadband, are no longer sources of competitive advantage, and they are being disrupted by agile new market entrants,” the minister said
further.

Also speaking at the same event, MTC’s managing director Licky Erastus said since the launch of the 081Every1 project in 2017, MTC’s aim remains to provide a 100% population coverage network.

To date, the country has 98% network coverage.

 Erastus assured MTC will work tooth and nail to ensure every Namibian citizen has access to network.

“We will not stop until every citizen has access to sound network connectivity,” said Erastus.

* Nuusita Ashipala is an information officer at MICT Oshana.