Epinga tower brings 4G access to underserved communities
Information and communication technology minister Emma Theofelus last week inaugurated the first tower built under phase one of the Universal Service Fund (USF) in the Ohangwena region, marking a major step toward expanding digital connectivity in rural Namibia.
Speaking at Epinga, Theofelus said the commissioning of the Epinga tower symbolises “progress, inclusion and empowerment”, adding that it will open doors to education, healthcare, economic opportunities and improved communication for rural communities.
The minister also announced that government has committed N$145 million toward phase two of the USF rollout – funding allocated under the 2024-2027 national capital projects to accelerate digital infrastructure development.
Eleven new sites have been approved under this phase.
The Epinga tower is the first of nine phase one towers approved for installation across the Kavango East, Kavango West, Oshikoto, Ohangwena and Kunene regions.
Once all sites are activated, they will provide 4G connectivity to an additional 4 765 Namibians and deliver seven years of free 4G voice and data services to 16 schools and four clinics.
One heart and mind
Theofelus stressed that digital connectivity is now a necessity rather than a luxury, adding that bridging the digital divide remains central to national development priorities.
The minister said connectivity can improve learning through access to online materials, enable farmers to check real-time market prices, expand markets for small businesses and strengthen health services through telemedicine.
She also linked the project to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s call for accelerated and unified action across government structures. “We are not operating as business as usual,” she said. “One heart, one mind.”
The launch further included the donation of 20 smartphones and 100 SIM cards to Epinga residents through the USF, while MTC will offer discounted smartphones and deploy a mobile service van for ongoing community support and digital literacy assistance.
Theofelus praised the collaboration between the ministry, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), MTC, other government entities and the Epinga community for making the project a reality.
“As we switch on the signal today, we are also switching on hope, connection and possibility,” she said, officially declaring the tower active.
CRAN’s executive for communication and consumer relations, Mufaro Nesongano, described the installation of the tower as a significant achievement in promoting digital inclusion and expanding essential communication services to communities that have long been underserved.
Speaking at Epinga, Theofelus said the commissioning of the Epinga tower symbolises “progress, inclusion and empowerment”, adding that it will open doors to education, healthcare, economic opportunities and improved communication for rural communities.
The minister also announced that government has committed N$145 million toward phase two of the USF rollout – funding allocated under the 2024-2027 national capital projects to accelerate digital infrastructure development.
Eleven new sites have been approved under this phase.
The Epinga tower is the first of nine phase one towers approved for installation across the Kavango East, Kavango West, Oshikoto, Ohangwena and Kunene regions.
Once all sites are activated, they will provide 4G connectivity to an additional 4 765 Namibians and deliver seven years of free 4G voice and data services to 16 schools and four clinics.
One heart and mind
Theofelus stressed that digital connectivity is now a necessity rather than a luxury, adding that bridging the digital divide remains central to national development priorities.
The minister said connectivity can improve learning through access to online materials, enable farmers to check real-time market prices, expand markets for small businesses and strengthen health services through telemedicine.
She also linked the project to President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s call for accelerated and unified action across government structures. “We are not operating as business as usual,” she said. “One heart, one mind.”
The launch further included the donation of 20 smartphones and 100 SIM cards to Epinga residents through the USF, while MTC will offer discounted smartphones and deploy a mobile service van for ongoing community support and digital literacy assistance.
Theofelus praised the collaboration between the ministry, the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), MTC, other government entities and the Epinga community for making the project a reality.
“As we switch on the signal today, we are also switching on hope, connection and possibility,” she said, officially declaring the tower active.
CRAN’s executive for communication and consumer relations, Mufaro Nesongano, described the installation of the tower as a significant achievement in promoting digital inclusion and expanding essential communication services to communities that have long been underserved.
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