MTC Launches Buffalo Project to Transform Network Connectivity in Rural Namibia
Namibia’s leading telecom operator, Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), has launched an ambitious initiative aimed at improving network connectivity in underserved rural areas across the country. Dubbed the Buffalo Project, this strategic rural network optimisation plan comes in response to findings from a comprehensive network audit conducted in northern Namibia. The initiative seeks to address critical infrastructural and technological shortcomings affecting mobile network coverage and service quality.
Key Findings Highlight Coverage Gaps
The network audit covered over 2,000 kilometres, stretching across towns such as Outapi and Oshakati, as well as cities like Rundu and Katima Mulilo. It provided valuable insights into coverage gaps and service quality issues arising in rural areas, where customers have increasingly reported poor signal strength and inconsistent data access. Conducted collaboratively with MTC’s network partner Huawei, the exercise identified several challenges impeding service delivery, from misaligned power settings to improperly positioned mobile towers with inadequate antenna heights.
Another discovery was the prevalence of outdated technology in some sites, with certain towers still relying on GSM and 3G configurations while offering limited or no 4G/LTE access. Furthermore, observed LTE signals often failed to meet prescribed ranges necessary for optimal performance. These findings underscore key areas that require urgent attention to better serve underrepresented communities.
The Buffalo Project: A Bold Path Forward
In response to these challenges, MTC has unveiled the Buffalo Project, named after the buffalo’s symbolic traits of strength and resilience. This targeted initiative aims to boost network service reliability, particularly in the northern regions of Namibia, by increasing mobile tower heights, relocating sites where needed, and introducing 4G LTE upgrades to enable faster and more reliable connectivity. Additionally, the project seeks to optimize antenna directions and power configurations along key travel corridors, ensuring a more consistent network experience for users.
The Buffalo Project builds on the success of the company’s 081Every1 initiative, which is focused on achieving nationwide population coverage. Beyond northern Namibia, MTC has announced plans to extend the Buffalo Project to address similar challenges in other parts of the country. By doing so, the initiative aligns seamlessly with MTC’s broader goal of achieving long-term network expansion to bridge the digital divide in Namibia.
A Step Toward Closing the Digital Divide
MTC’s Buffalo Project symbolizes a critical step forward in enhancing digital inclusivity across Namibia’s rural areas. By addressing the specific needs of underserved regions, the project not only seeks to improve customer satisfaction but also contributes to socio-economic development by enabling better access to digital resources and connectivity. As Namibia continues to evolve in the digital age, such targeted efforts remain essential for closing the gap between urban and rural communities and positioning the country as a regional leader in telecom innovation.
