Paratus invests N$600 mn (approx. US$32 mn) to launch Namibia’s first private LTE and 5G network, boosting connectivity. (Image source: Paratus)

Pan-African telecommunications provider and Africa’s quality network services leader, Paratus Group, has officially launched Namibia’s first private mobile network, offering LTE and 5G technologies

The launch directly challenges the dominance of state-owned operators and coincides with Paratus Namibia’s 20th anniversary, marking two decades of investment in the country and the start of a bold new chapter in digital transformation and mobile connectivity.

Paratus Namibia serves as the cornerstone of the Group’s operations, providing the expertise that fuels innovation and expansion across the wider Pan-African footprint. The company has led the development of extensive infrastructure, including a nationwide fiber network, satellite services, the landing of the Equiano subsea cable, Tier 3 by design data centres, full network solutions, as well as mobile and LEO satellite services.

Can Namibia lead telecoms?

Since 2018, Paratus has invested an unprecedented N$1.417 billion (approx. US$75mn) into network infrastructure. In the past year alone, it allocated N$600 million (approx. US$32mn) to establish the new Namibian mobile network, with one third of this funding dedicated to building a digital technology stack that unites all Paratus services into a single, customer-focused platform. Developed in collaboration with Cerillion as the digital technology partner and Nokia as the mobile network partner, the new platform replaces legacy systems and enables a seamless, fully digital customer experience.

With this milestone, Paratus Group reaffirms its position as a long-term investor in Africa’s digital future, delivering full-service networks that empower both businesses and communities with reliable, affordable connectivity.

CEO of Paratus Group, Schalk Erasmus, said, “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. This is also integral to the overriding Paratus passion, purpose and people ethos that we embrace in our culture and expansion plans.

“As we expand across the continent, every investment we make is designed to solve real challenges and open new opportunities. The new mobile service in Namibia is yet another example of that - a private, affordable service that gives customers freedom, control, and confidence in their connectivity.

“This launch marks a defining moment in our journey: a full mobile service going live across Namibia. I want to thank every one of the Namibian team who went the extra mile to make this happen. We're not just launching a product; we're challenging the status quo.”

The Paratus mobile network introduces affordable and transparent data and voice plans, representing a landmark investment in Namibia’s digital future. After more than twenty years in the country, Paratus has evolved from a connectivity provider into a complete digital lifestyle enabler. Offering Voice (VoLTE), Wi-Fi calling, and the fastest digital activation in the market, the service integrates LTE, 5G, fiber, and Sky-Fi wireless solutions to deliver a full ecosystem for personal, home, and business connectivity.

Across Africa, Paratus operates in 15 countries, running the continent’s only fully contiguous network, offering seamless and secure connectivity without coverage gaps. Its East-West Connect route links the continent coast-to-coast, while the Paratus Express Route, powered by the Equiano cable, delivers reliable, low-latency international connectivity from Johannesburg to Europe and the United States. This extensive network footprint enables smooth cross-border connections and simplifies regional partnerships.

Opensignal ranks Cell C joint #1 in reliability, video and voice app experience, marking a key milestone in service

Cell C has secured major recognition in South Africa, being named Joint #1 for Mobile Network Reliability, Joint #1 for Video Experience, and Joint #1 for Voice App Experience by global authority Opensignal

For the first time in its history, the operator claimed the leading position for Network Reliability, a milestone that highlights the impact of its network transformation and commitment to dependable connectivity. Alongside this, Cell C also achieved joint leadership in Video Experience and Voice App Experience, confirming its progress in enhancing customer satisfaction across multiple dimensions. The accolades reflect a network that South Africans can rely on – ensuring, as Cell C emphasises, that nothing should stop you.

Building on momentum

This recognition adds to a series of achievements over the past year. In August 2024, Cell C was named South Africa’s outright winner for Video Experience and joint winner for Upload Speed Experience with MTN. By early 2025, it earned “Global Rising Star” status for Most Improved Network Experiences, also achieving Rising Star awards in Video and Upload Speed categories.

Now, with joint #1 status in Reliability, the operator’s strategy and execution are proving successful, with measurable improvements in customer experience.

“Reliability and video aren’t just metrics – they shape how people live today. From streaming and gaming to online learning or running a small business, our customers can now depend on Cell C in the moments that matter most,” remarked Jorge Mendes, CEO of Cell C.

Reliability, video, and voice

Reliability has long been a challenge in South Africa, but Cell C’s achievement signals a turning point. Powered by its national dual MOCN (Multi-Operator Core Network) model, which gives access to over 28,000 towers nationwide, Cell C now provides consistent connections for students, businesses and families alike.

The operator’s strong performance in Video Experience demonstrates its readiness for a video-first world, delivering smooth streaming, clear video calls and reliable virtual meetings. It also ranks joint #1 in Voice App Experience, ensuring calls on platforms like WhatsApp and Teams are clearer and more dependable – vital for work, learning, and staying connected globally.

Cell C continues to invest in voice quality improvements, having already introduced Africa’s first cloud-native VoLTE solution.

“We are proud that independent data validates what our customers are experiencing every day – a network they can count on,” said chief technology officer, Schalk Visser.

“Reliability is the foundation of connectivity. If you can’t stay connected, nothing else matters. We’ve made progress where it mattered most, and we are committed to taking voice and other services to the next level,” Schalk added.

Customer-first approach

The company’s transformation is built on partnerships, targeted investment in VoLTE and video optimisation, and a capex-light model that keeps services affordable. As the home of MVNOs, Cell C delivers reliable digital access to millions of South Africans.

“We know our journey isn’t finished. Voice improvements and further innovations are underway, but this milestone proves that we’re moving in the right direction. We’re humbled by this recognition – and we dedicate it to our customers, who have believed in us. We will keep fighting to make digital connectivity reliable and accessible to every South African.”

Nokia modernizes INX-ZA infrastructure, boosting South Africa’s internet exchange. (Image source: Nokia)

Nokia has been chosen by INX-ZA, the Internet Exchange Point division of the Internet Service Provider Association (ISPA), to upgrade and modernise its exchange infrastructure

As part of the initiative, INX-ZA will roll out Nokia’s advanced IP routing portfolio to deliver new 400GE services along with expanded 100GE options to customers nationwide. This development promises faster, more reliable, and future-ready Internet connectivity for businesses and users in South Africa.

Internet exchanges form the backbone of the digital ecosystem, facilitating local traffic exchange and reducing reliance on costly international bandwidth. However, many IXPs across Africa still run on outdated systems that struggle with scalability and efficiency. INX-ZA’s adoption of Nokia’s technology directly addresses these challenges, introducing energy-efficient, scalable, and high-density infrastructure designed to support Africa’s growing digital ambitions.

Nishal Goburdhan, INX-ZA’s general manager, said, “Upgrading to Nokia’s 400GE-ready infrastructure isn’t just about adding capacity - it’s about reimagining how South Africa connects. With this modern, energy-efficient platform, INX-ZA can deliver faster, more reliable, and more sustainable interconnection services while maintaining the uptime and performance our community has come to expect of us. Nokia’s technology gives us the scale and capability to keep our exchanges at the forefront of global standards and power the country’s digital economy for the future."

The project will see Nokia upgrade INX-ZA’s Internet Exchange Points in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. The work begins in Johannesburg, home to JINX, Africa’s oldest Internet Exchange Point, which has maintained 100% uptime since 1996. Together, Nokia and INX-ZA will expand JINX from seven to ten data centres by year end, deploying thirty high-performance platforms in the first phase to ensure its industry-leading availability continues while extending its reach.

Toni Pellegrino, head of South and East Africa Sales, network infrastructure at Nokia, added, “As people are consuming and producing more content and businesses are moving their loads to the cloud, Internet Exchanges are an essential and critical part of digital infrastructure. Working with customers like INX-ZA, which is deeply committed to technical excellence and community enablement, aligns with our belief in delivering resilient, sustainable and scalable trusted infrastructure in South Africa. Our platforms offer the flexibility and openness needed to meet today’s interconnection demands while paving the way for future innovation with SR Linux and automation."

Powered by Nokia’s 7250 Interconnect Routers and SR OS (Service Router Operating System), the deployment will enable INX-ZA to introduce 400GE and expanded 100GE services for peering partners and Internet service providers (ISPs). It will also strengthen INX-ZA’s backbone by providing 400GE connections between multiple points of presence (POPs).

This transformation marks a milestone for South Africa’s digital ecosystem and sets a precedent for other African IXPs to follow, creating more efficient, scalable, and high-performance interconnection infrastructure across the continent.