Mobile Telecommunications Limited MTC has intensified its commitment to digital inclusion by launching a strategic rural network optimisation initiative following a comprehensive network audit in northern Namibia. The initiative, driven by MTC's customer-centric commitment, aimed to gain firsthand insight into coverage gaps and service quality challenges in underserved and uncovered rural areas.
The audit, which covered more than 2,000 kilometres across Outapi, Oshakati, Rundu, and Katima Mulilo, forms part of MTC's broader goal to improve connectivity and service delivery, particularly in areas where customer complaints regarding poor signal and inconsistent data access have been on the rise.
Led by MTC's Chief Technology and Information Officer, Monica Nehemia, and conducted in collaboration with network partner Huawei, the field exercise focused on identifying infrastructural and technical shortcomings affecting quality of service. The assessment revealed that some towers in rural regions are not adequately positioned, emanating from historical infrastructure, with several sites featuring low antenna heights and limited access to 4G/LTE technology. In certain locations, mobile towers rely only on GSM or 3G configurations, and LTE signals were found to be servicing minimal ranges than prescribed, impacting performance. Furthermore, inconsistencies in power settings and antenna directions along key travel corridors also contributed to reduced service quality.
