What's Happening?
Telecom Namibia has entered into a partnership with Lightstruck, a fibre infrastructure provider, to lease its open-access fibre network. This move is part of Telecom Namibia's strategy to accelerate its fibre broadband business and replace its fixed
copper network, which has been plagued by theft and vandalism. The partnership follows a fully managed, opex-based model, allowing Telecom Namibia to streamline operations and enhance customer experience. This is the second fibre leasing deal for Telecom Namibia in a week, following a similar agreement with Demshi. These partnerships are integral to Telecom Namibia's 2025/26 annual operating plan, aiming to boost fibre rollout and digital transformation. The transition to fibre is expected to improve network resilience and reliability, addressing issues of service interruptions and slower network performance caused by aging infrastructure and copper theft.
Why It's Important?
The partnership between Telecom Namibia and Lightstruck is significant as it addresses the ongoing challenges of copper theft and network reliability. By transitioning to fibre, Telecom Namibia aims to enhance the resilience of its network infrastructure, which is crucial for maintaining service quality and customer satisfaction. This move is also part of a broader digital transformation strategy that could position Namibia as a leader in digital connectivity in the region. The shift from copper to fibre is expected to reduce service disruptions and improve overall network performance, benefiting both residential and business customers. Additionally, the partnership highlights the importance of infrastructure sharing in the telecommunications sector, which can lead to more efficient network deployment and reduced operational costs.
What's Next?
Telecom Namibia plans to complete key phases of its network modernisation programme by June 2027. This includes implementing a converged FMC core, developing a next-generation OSS/BSS platform, upgrading backup power systems, and deploying advanced firewalls to safeguard customer data. As the company continues to expand its fibre network, it will likely seek additional partnerships to further enhance its service offerings and reach more customers. The success of these initiatives could serve as a model for other telecommunications companies facing similar challenges, potentially leading to increased collaboration and innovation in the industry.
