MTC Namibia, the leading GSM operator in Namibia, has launched a robust 3G network, making it only the third operator on the African continent to have done so. During phase one, the network will be deployed in Windhoek, the capital and the coastal settlements of Walvisbay and Swakopmund. Phase two, commencing in April 2007, will eventually cover the majority of the country's commercial settlements.
The Managing Director of MTC, Jos'e Ferreira, said at the launch event that: "It is true that firms and countries that use ICT solutions widely, grow faster, invest more and are more productive and profitable than those that don't. We want Namibia to feature prominently among such nations of the world."
He further added: "With 3G, we are raising the bar even higher again for Namibia and its people."
The country's Prime Minister Nahas Angula, who officiated at the launch, further underscored these sentiments by saying: "The launch of MTC's 3G network, the government believes, is a critical milestone towards achieving our stated objectives for 2030 for the ICT sector. We must continue to invest in ICT roll-outs such as the ones being announced this morning so that Namibia maintains its favourable rankings on the continent and in the world."
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MTC (Mobile Telecommunications Limited) was established in 1995 as a joint venture between Namibia Post and Telecommunications Holdings (NPTH), Telia and Swedfund. During May 2004, NPTH concluded a deal that saw it hold 100% of the shares in MTC by acquiring the 49% held by Telia Overseas AB and Swedfund International AB. NPTH is 100% owned by the government of the Republic of Namibia. During 2006, the sale of 34% of MTC shares to a strategic/technical partner were concluded with Portugal Telecom which also holds the management contract.
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