Namibia Turns to Low-Earth Orbit Satellites to Bridge Digital Divide in Remote Regions

(3 Minutes Read)

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) is turning to low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to extend internet connectivity to remote and underserved areas, where traditional infrastructure fails to reach due to the country’s vast and sparsely populated terrain.

CRAN CEO Emilia Nghikembua highlighted the logistical and financial challenges of expanding terrestrial networks across Namibia’s wide agricultural lands, farming zones, and isolated lodges. “Some of these areas stretch over a million hectares. Terrestrial towers simply can’t cover such expanses effectively,” Nghikembua said. “LEO satellites provide a viable alternative, delivering connectivity where traditional infrastructure is impractical due to distance and terrain.”

Despite achieving 91% population coverage via 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, Namibia continues to face significant gaps in geographic coverage. Nghikembua noted that rural and sparsely inhabited regions often remain disconnected, as building and maintaining terrestrial towers with a limited 12-kilometre range is economically unsustainable.

To address this, CRAN is leveraging the Universal Service Fund (USF), supported by a N$140 million government allocation over three years. In the initiative’s first phase, N$31 million was disbursed to Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) to construct nine new mobile sites. These are strategically located in regions with less than 80% 4G coverage — including Kavango West, Kavango East, Kunene, Ohangwena, and Oshikoto.

As part of the funding conditions, 16 schools and 4 clinics in these regions will receive free, uncapped Wi-Fi for several years, ensuring that educational and healthcare institutions are prioritised. “Anchor institutions like schools and clinics must be included wherever a new site is developed,” Nghikembua emphasised.

CRAN’s latest market report shows that mobile networks now reach 91% of the population, with urban internet access nearing 85%. Rural connectivity continues to improve, helping local businesses expand their markets and enabling isolated communities to get online. The newly launched sites in the first rollout phase are expected to bring internet access to over 5,000 Namibians previously without service.

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Namibia’s satellite internet landscape is also evolving. SEACOM is leading in enterprise-grade LEO services via its partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, although its reach remains limited in Africa. Meanwhile, Paratus Namibia and MTC Namibia provide VSAT services through geostationary satellites, with Paratus planning to expand into LEO deployments.

Starlink, SpaceX’s LEO-based internet service, has submitted an application to CRAN for regulatory approval. If granted, Starlink would become the first consumer-oriented LEO satellite provider in Namibia, promising high-speed, low-latency internet across the country.

“Strategic investments and technology partnerships are key to closing Namibia’s digital divide,” Nghikembua concluded. “With the right tools, even the most remote communities can be brought online.”