MWeb Namibia has been awarded a VSAT licence by Namibian regulatory and licensing body, the Namibian Communications Commission (NCC).
The licence will allow the Internet service provider (ISP) to create an alternate Internet route in and out of the southern African country, explains MWeb Namibia GM Marc Gregan.
Currently, the primary bandwidth supplier in the country is Telecom Namibia, which occasionally has an intermittent flow of bandwidth transmission, creating sporadic broadband supply, he adds.
"By being able to use VSAT technology, the ISP will effectively cover the transmission gaps caused by the current disruptions in supply."
This will allow reliable Internet for a broad business contingent in the country, he adds.
"Being a commercial ISP, it is vital that the company provides constant customer access to the Internet."
When Internet browsing and e-mail are disrupted, MWeb Namibia is aware that businesses lose operational capacity and individuals are inconvenienced, notes Gregan in a company press release.
The benefits
The implementation of VSAT will reduce MWeb`s reliance on one bandwidth provider, Gregan adds.
MWeb intends to make this capacity available to other ISPs and telecommunications operators, so all Internet users will benefit, regardless of their ISP.
Gregan notes that, by splitting bandwidth usage between the various sources, it will also speed download time, especially for wireless broadband Internet users.
The market reach will also increase because VSAT technologies can effectively be used in areas that do not have fixed-line technology.
Gregan tentatively gave a timeline of six to 12 weeks. "We have to locate the satellite dish, make the final assessment and order the technology, as well as complete the training of the technical team."
MWeb has been lobbying the NCC over the past year in a bid to secure the licence, he says.
Any ISP can apply for a VSAT licence. The NCC has only granted licences to MWeb and Internet Technologies Namibia.
Gregan describes the NCC as "progressive" in bringing more broadband capacity into the country, to allow for more choices and faster Internet access for Namibians.
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