Loc8 Wins Namibia 5G Licence, Plans 2026 Launch
▼ Summary
– Loc8 has become Namibia’s third licensed 5G operator and plans to launch its network in the first quarter of 2026.
– The company received spectrum in the 703–788MHz and 790–862MHz bands from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and must meet specific quality-of-service requirements.
– Loc8 will compete with MTC, which launched commercial 5G in August 2025, and Telecom Namibia, which also aims for an early 2026 rollout.
– Loc8’s CEO stated the operator will focus on urban consumers and industries, leveraging IoT applications and a network strengthened by fibre routes and subsea cable access.
– Paratus has announced plans to launch Namibia’s first private 5G network, indicating rapid growth in the country’s 5G sector.
Namibia’s telecommunications sector is poised for a significant transformation with Loc8 officially joining the market as the third licensed 5G operator. The company has announced its intention to launch services during the first quarter of 2026, marking a major expansion from its origins as a geo-location software specialist founded in 2016. This strategic move into telecoms follows the firm’s successful acquisition of multiple spectrum licenses over recent years.
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has granted Loc8 access to valuable spectrum in the 703–788MHz and 790–862MHz frequency bands. This allocation comes with specific performance requirements, mandating that the new operator maintain a minimum download speed of 20 Mbps for its customers as part of its quality-of-service commitments.
Loc8 now enters a competitive field alongside MTC, which pioneered commercial 5G in the country in August 2025, and Telecom Namibia, which is also targeting an early 2026 launch. The arrival of a third player is expected to intensify rivalry and drive innovation within Namibia’s mobile broadband landscape, ultimately benefiting consumers and businesses.
According to Collin Uirab, the Chief Executive Officer of Loc8, the company has already established a solid commercial framework for its upcoming launch. The initial rollout strategy will prioritize serving urban populations and key industrial sectors. A particular focus will be placed on developing Internet of Things (IoT) applications, especially for the mining industry. Uirab also highlighted that Loc8 has secured access to several critical fibre routes and direct connections to international subsea cables, significantly boosting the network’s inherent resilience and overall readiness for operation.
This development coincides with separate announcements from other market participants. Paratus, for instance, has revealed its own strategy to deploy the nation’s first private 5G network. These concurrent initiatives underscore the rapid acceleration and growing investment in next-generation wireless infrastructure across Namibia.
(Source: MEA Tech Watch)