Telecom Namibia Partners With Lightstruck to Expand Open-Access Fibre Network

Telecom Namibia  officially marked the signing ceremony of its strategic partnership with Lightstruck (Pty) Ltd,  representing the second agreement of this nature as the company accelerates fibre connectivity and expands Namibia’s digital infrastructure through open-access collaboration models.

This partnership forms part of Telecom Namibia’s 5-Year Integrated Strategic Business Plan, which focuses on driving sustainable growth, increasing market share, and enhancing customer experience through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.

The agreement adopts an open-access infrastructure model, enabling Telecom Namibia to leverage Lightstruck’s fibre network to deliver high-speed internet services to residential and business customers. This approach supports the objectives outlined in Telecom Namibia’s 2025/26 Annual Operating Plan (AOP), aimed at accelerating fibre rollout and advancing digital transformation across the country.

Lightstruck, a network facilities licensee authorised by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), operates as an open-access infrastructure provider responsible for the deployment, maintenance, and operation of fibre networks. Through this collaboration, Telecom Namibia will utilise Lightstruck’s infrastructure to deliver its IP-based services to end-users, ensuring high-quality and reliable connectivity.

This partnership also plays a critical role in addressing the ongoing challenge of copper theft and network vandalism. By accelerating the transition from copper-based infrastructure to fibre, Telecom Namibia is reducing its exposure to theft-prone assets, particularly in high-risk areas. Fibre networks not only offer enhanced performance and reliability but are also less susceptible to theft, thereby improving network stability and ensuring a more consistent and secure service for customers.

The partnership follows a fully managed, OPEX-based model, allowing Telecom Namibia to efficiently extend its service footprint while maintaining high service standards. Services will be provisioned and managed through Lightstruck’s service portal, ensuring streamlined operations and enhanced customer experience.

“The signing of this partnership with Lightstruck marks another key milestone in our fibre expansion journey. It reflects our commitment to leveraging open-access networks to accelerate connectivity, enhance customer choice, and deliver innovative, high-quality digital services. Through this collaboration, we are embracing infrastructure sharing as a strategic approach to avoid duplication of efforts, fast-track network deployment, and improve overall efficiency in the sector. At a time when copper theft remains a daily occurrence and continues to disrupt services, the transition to fibre strengthens the resilience and reliability of our network infrastructure. We are confident that this partnership will significantly strengthen our ability to provide reliable broadband solutions and contribute meaningfully to Namibia’s digital transformation.”

– Dr Stanley Shanapinda, Chief Executive Officer, Telecom Namibia

We are proud to partner with Telecom Namibia in advancing fibre connectivity across Namibia through an open-access model. As a neutral infrastructure provider, our focus is on enabling service providers to deliver high-quality services over a reliable network.This collaboration underscores the value of shared infrastructure in driving competition, efficiency, and improved access to next-generation connectivity. We are particularly encouraged by the strong commitment from shareholders, who are prepared to invest the necessary capital, and therefore do not foresee any funding constraints. We are excited about this partnership and the meaningful impact it will have in accelerating Namibia’s digital transformation.”

– Mr Szacky Nujoma, Director, Lightstruck

Under the agreement:

• Telecom Namibia will deliver services to end-users via Lightstruck’s open-access network
• Lightstruck will be responsible for network deployment, maintenance, and fibre infrastructure
• Services will be provisioned and managed through Lightstruck’s service portal
• Lightstruck’s network is currently live in Khomasdal, Dorado Park, Rocky Crest, Osona Village, and Rehoboth, creating immediate opportunities for Telecom Namibia customers in these communities to access fibre services through this partnership. By
• leveraging existing fibre infrastructure, both organisations are well positioned to accelerate fibre adoption and improve broadband availability in these areas. The partnership also provides a pathway for existing Telecom Namibia customers to migrate to fibre-based services where coverage is available, enabling access to faster and more reliable connectivity.

As demand for fast, stable, and reliable internet continues to grow, this partnership brings together Telecom Namibia’s extensive customer base and service capabilities with Lightstruck’s expanding open-access fibre network. The collaboration is expected to enhance customer connectivity experiences while contributing to the broader digital transformation of communities and businesses across Namibia.