PowerCom’s Goreangab tower inaugurated
Shared infrastructure keeps costs affordable
A total of 18 towers were built nationwide by PowerCom – to the tune of N$21.6 million – over the previous financial year, with more in the works.
PowerCom's newest 30-metre tower was officially inaugurated on Wednesday by information and communication technology (ICT) minister, Dr Peya Mushalenga.
"Access to ICT services and facilities is now a necessity, and no longer a luxury,” he said of the tower – worth almost N$1 million – built in Windhoek’s Goreangab area.
It is the last of 18 towers built nationwide by PowerCom over the previous financial year, according to the state-owned company's CEO Beatus Amadhila.
Against an investment of about N$21.6 million, six towers were built in the Hardap region, one in //Karas, six in Otjozondjupa, two in Erongo, one in Oshana and the latest in Khomas, he said. PowerCom is currently building three more in Khomas, while another three in Erongo and one in Otjozondjupa will be constructed to the tune of N$7.2 million.
Over the coming financial year, the Telecom Namibia subsidiary plans to build 30 new towers at a cost of N$36 million: Four in Zambezi, three in //Karas, one in Oshikoto, two in Erongo, five in Omusati, two in Oshana, three in Otjozondjupa, two in Ohangwena, one in Kunene, one in Hardap and another five in Khomas, he said.
Another location will be identified in one of the Kavango regions or in Omaheke, Amadhila added.
Shared infrastructure
PowerCom's telecommunication towers house all forms of wireless communication, including mobile networks, television antennas and radio transmitters, the CEO said. The company's business approach involves sharing infrastructure, which covers costs by a variety of customers and keeps services affordable to consumers, according to him.
Telecom and XYLO Technology Investment, an internet provider that will soon be deployed on the same tower, are among the clients who have already signed up to use the Goreangab tower.
In the Windhoek municipal area, an application has been made for land to also build towers in Greenwell Matongo, Otjomuise and Hakahana, among other areas, he said.
Growing need
PowerCom board chairperson Eldorette Harmse said Windhoek is growing and needs another 30 new towers to be able to offer sufficient access to services. Approval for six towers has been received, while construction on two has already begun.
Feedback on another 22 towers is awaited at the City of Windhoek, she said.
Nationwide, the demand for connection to telecommunications is also growing and at least 300 towers are needed over the next three to five years to meet the demand, she said.
"We are optimistic that PowerCom is on the way to solid growth," Harmse added.
Beacon of hope
On behalf of Telecom, CEO Stanley Shanapinda said the Goreangab tower “is an important part of our plan to expand our network coverage and improve the quality of our services".
According to him, the tower is "a beacon of hope for Namibia's digital future and is essential for economic growth, development and prosperity”.
"The Goreangab tower is a significant investment in the future of Namibia."
"Access to ICT services and facilities is now a necessity, and no longer a luxury,” he said of the tower – worth almost N$1 million – built in Windhoek’s Goreangab area.
It is the last of 18 towers built nationwide by PowerCom over the previous financial year, according to the state-owned company's CEO Beatus Amadhila.
Against an investment of about N$21.6 million, six towers were built in the Hardap region, one in //Karas, six in Otjozondjupa, two in Erongo, one in Oshana and the latest in Khomas, he said. PowerCom is currently building three more in Khomas, while another three in Erongo and one in Otjozondjupa will be constructed to the tune of N$7.2 million.
Over the coming financial year, the Telecom Namibia subsidiary plans to build 30 new towers at a cost of N$36 million: Four in Zambezi, three in //Karas, one in Oshikoto, two in Erongo, five in Omusati, two in Oshana, three in Otjozondjupa, two in Ohangwena, one in Kunene, one in Hardap and another five in Khomas, he said.
Another location will be identified in one of the Kavango regions or in Omaheke, Amadhila added.
Shared infrastructure
PowerCom's telecommunication towers house all forms of wireless communication, including mobile networks, television antennas and radio transmitters, the CEO said. The company's business approach involves sharing infrastructure, which covers costs by a variety of customers and keeps services affordable to consumers, according to him.
Telecom and XYLO Technology Investment, an internet provider that will soon be deployed on the same tower, are among the clients who have already signed up to use the Goreangab tower.
In the Windhoek municipal area, an application has been made for land to also build towers in Greenwell Matongo, Otjomuise and Hakahana, among other areas, he said.
Growing need
PowerCom board chairperson Eldorette Harmse said Windhoek is growing and needs another 30 new towers to be able to offer sufficient access to services. Approval for six towers has been received, while construction on two has already begun.
Feedback on another 22 towers is awaited at the City of Windhoek, she said.
Nationwide, the demand for connection to telecommunications is also growing and at least 300 towers are needed over the next three to five years to meet the demand, she said.
"We are optimistic that PowerCom is on the way to solid growth," Harmse added.
Beacon of hope
On behalf of Telecom, CEO Stanley Shanapinda said the Goreangab tower “is an important part of our plan to expand our network coverage and improve the quality of our services".
According to him, the tower is "a beacon of hope for Namibia's digital future and is essential for economic growth, development and prosperity”.
"The Goreangab tower is a significant investment in the future of Namibia."
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