Namibia to 'empower digitally-marginalised communities'
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Namibia should devise solutions to the lack of internet accessibility in rural areas, information minister Peya Mushelanga said.
He made the remarks in a media statement issued to observe African Telecommunications/ICT Day, which was held under the theme ‘towards a digital revolution and inclusion of the marginalised: Addressing accessibility factors’.
“The Namibian government is making financial provision to set up network towers in areas that may not be commercially viable for mobile operators. This initiative seeks to empower digitally-marginalised communities by providing them access to essential services and infrastructure,” he said.
Mushelenga added that the day prompts countries to address critical issues exacerbating the digital divide, notably the alarming statistic that 72% of the continent’s population lacks access to mobile internet, with nearly 200 million people residing in areas devoid of mobile broadband network coverage.
“Presently, about 56% of Namibians have access to the internet, which means we need to redouble our efforts to ensure we achieve a 100% rate.
“I call on local and international stakeholders to invest in the setting up of network towers across the region, especially in remote areas,” he said.
He made the remarks in a media statement issued to observe African Telecommunications/ICT Day, which was held under the theme ‘towards a digital revolution and inclusion of the marginalised: Addressing accessibility factors’.
“The Namibian government is making financial provision to set up network towers in areas that may not be commercially viable for mobile operators. This initiative seeks to empower digitally-marginalised communities by providing them access to essential services and infrastructure,” he said.
Mushelenga added that the day prompts countries to address critical issues exacerbating the digital divide, notably the alarming statistic that 72% of the continent’s population lacks access to mobile internet, with nearly 200 million people residing in areas devoid of mobile broadband network coverage.
“Presently, about 56% of Namibians have access to the internet, which means we need to redouble our efforts to ensure we achieve a 100% rate.
“I call on local and international stakeholders to invest in the setting up of network towers across the region, especially in remote areas,” he said.
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Namibian Sun
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