Paratus Group, Africa’s quality network services provider, has made history by introducing Namibia’s first privately owned mobile network, equipped with advanced 4G LTE and 5G technologies. The launch, announced on 3 September 2025, disrupts the telecommunications landscape dominated by state-owned operators like Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) and Telecom Namibia, offering consumers a fresh alternative focused on affordability, transparency, and seamless digital experiences. This move comes as Paratus Namibia celebrates its 20th anniversary, highlighting two decades of significant investments in the country’s infrastructure and a new era of innovation in mobile connectivity.
Built entirely on 4G LTE technology with 5G capabilities, the network bypasses outdated 2G and 3G systems, ensuring faster speeds and better performance from the start. Paratus has invested an unprecedented N$600 million (approximately $34 million) in the project over the past year, with one-third allocated to developing a powerful digital technology stack. This integrates all Paratus services into a single customer-centric platform, partnering with Cerillion for digital solutions and Nokia for mobile network infrastructure. The result is a fully digital service that eliminates legacy platforms, providing voice over LTE (VoLTE), Wi-Fi calling, and the fastest digital activation in the market.
The network’s rollout covers 50 towns and 80 communities across Namibia, delivering reliable coverage and empowering users with control over their connectivity. Paratus Group CEO Schalk Erasmus described the launch as a deliberate step in transforming Africa’s digital landscape. “Connectivity is the backbone of economic growth. Launching Namibia’s first private mobile network is a deliberate step in our mission to transform Africa’s digital landscape. By offering transparent, affordable services, we’re removing barriers and empowering more people to participate in the digital economy,” Erasmus said. He thanked the Namibian team for their efforts, noting, “We’re not just launching a product; we’re challenging the status quo.”
Paratus Namibia has been the cornerstone of the group’s operations since its inception in 2005, serving as a hub for expertise that drives pan-African expansion. Over the years, the company has pioneered critical infrastructure, including an extensive fibre network, satellite services, the landing of the Equiano subsea cable in Swakopmund in 2022, and the development of tier-3-by-design data centres. These investments, totalling N$1.42 billion since 2018, have positioned Paratus as a key player in Namibia’s digital economy, providing full network services, mobile connectivity, and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite solutions like Starlink.
The new mobile network builds on this foundation, offering a complete connectivity ecosystem that includes advanced LTE and 5G, fibre, Sky-Fi wireless connections, and integrated solutions for mobile, home, and business needs. Customers benefit from affordable data and voice packages designed to give freedom and confidence in their usage. This launch reinforces Paratus Group’s role as a long-term investor in Africa’s digital future, aiming to solve real challenges and unlock opportunities through reliable, affordable connectivity.
Paratus operates in 15 African countries, employing over 1,100 people, and extends satellite services to more than 30 nations. Its contiguous network spans the continent coast-to-coast via the East-West Connect route, with the Paratus Express Route delivering low-latency connections from Johannesburg to Europe and the US. This unique footprint ensures seamless cross-border links, streamlining regional partnerships and supporting economic growth.
The introduction of Namibia’s first private mobile network directly challenges the dominance of state-owned incumbents, promoting competition that could lower prices and improve service quality. Paratus positions its offering as a private, affordable service that prioritises customer needs, with transparent pricing and digital tools for easy management. This aligns with the group’s passion, purpose, and people ethos, embedded in its culture and expansion plans.
By focusing on digital transformation, Paratus aims to empower businesses and communities, removing barriers to participation in the digital economy. The launch coincides with broader African telecom trends, where private players are increasingly entering markets to drive innovation and accessibility. In Namibia, where mobile penetration is high but competition limited, this could spur advancements in services like mobile money, e-learning, and remote work.
