Preparing to Fill Telecommunications Voids: USF Deployment Phase 2 by CRAN
In a significant stride towards digital transformation, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) recently conducted a site verification exercise from 28 April to 23 May 2025. The exercise aimed to assess 16 proposed sites for the upcoming Phase two of the Universal Service Fund (USF) rollout, with the goal of extending mobile broadband and voice services to underserved and unserved communities [4][5].
The verification process targeted 25 institutions, including 23 schools and two clinics, across nine regions in Namibia. Most of these institutions have access to electricity grid, with a few relying on solar power. The structures housing these institutions vary, with the majority being brick buildings, and one made of corrugated iron sheets [4].
The key findings from this exercise reveal a pressing need for infrastructure development. Of the 23 schools visited, 14 have no network connectivity at all, while nine experience intermittent service. Regrettably, both clinics were found to have no voice or data connectivity [4].
In some institutions, existing infrastructure provides service through Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite links or Point-to-Point (P2P) connections, leading to slow broadband and unreliable service. During site visits, CRAN's team tested network performance, conducted speed tests, and documented all challenges [4].
The USF plans to leverage these insights to identify suitable sites for new infrastructure deployment. The rollout strategy will integrate feedback from verification to close remaining connectivity gaps comprehensively [5]. The USF supports Namibia's digital agenda by fostering infrastructure development where market-driven investment is insufficient [1][2].
The exercise employed a rigorous methodology, including detailed planning using GPS applications, coordination with school and clinic administrators, and on-the-ground assessments [4]. As Namibia advances into Phase two of the USF rollout, the insights gained from this verification exercise will be instrumental in shaping targeted interventions [1][2][4][5].
The lack of connectivity hampers educational, health, and economic opportunities in these communities. To address this, the plan involves providing subsidies to licensed telecommunications providers for deploying infrastructure for mobile broadband and voice services. The goal remains clear: to ensure that no community is left behind in the digital age, and that mobile broadband and voice services reach even the most remote corners of the country [1][2][4][5].
Emphasis on balanced regulation to promote industry growth while protecting consumers is reinforced in ministerial engagements [1]. Maintaining strong governance and strategic oversight is essential to ensure transparent, accountable implementation aligned with Namibia's digital transformation goals. This involves ongoing monitoring, data submission compliance from operators, and adapting regulatory frameworks to support sustainable service expansion [1][2][3][5].
In conclusion, the verification exercise provides critical data to optimize infrastructure placement and ensures the USF fulfills its mandate to enhance digital inclusion across Namibia’s underserved areas. Subsequent phases will build on these findings to accelerate connectivity expansion with government and industry collaboration [1][2][4][5].
- To tackle the pressing need for infrastructure development and extend mobile broadband and voice services, the USF intends to leverage technology such as satellite links, P2P connections, and mobile telecoms for the upcoming infrastructure deployment.
- Recognizing the critical role of education and health services, the lack of network connectivity in numerous institutions warrants urgent attention from the USF, requiring the deployment of new infrastructure that caters to mobile broadband and voice services.
- In the quest to promote balanced regulation, foster industry growth, and protect consumers, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) emphasizes the importance of strategic oversight and strong governance to ensure transparent implementation of the USF rollout, ultimately facilitating digital transformation.
