The Usakos Town Council and Telecom Namibia on Monday announced a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to help Usakos move closer to becoming a smart city.
This collaboration promises better connectivity, economic expansion, and a higher standard of living for the town’s citizens, marking a significant milestone in its digital transformation.
Shared commitment to develop advanced ICT infrastructure in Usakos
A joint commitment to creating state-of-the-art information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in Usakos is outlined in the MOU.
Delivering a top-tier telecommunications network and providing access to cutting-edge digital and value-added services will be the main goals of this partnership.
One of the main areas of collaboration is the implementation of ICT infrastructure, which will drive the town’s digital transformation for present and upcoming Usakos Town Council initiatives.
This project expands on Telecom Namibia’s fruitful collaboration with OMDis in Oranjemund, a town also transforming into a smart city.
Telecom Namibia’s dedication to updating its telecommunications network and replacing antiquated infrastructure is evident in the partnership.
As part of this continuous endeavour, the Oranjemund project strategically added 67.6 km of new fibre routes to its strong national fibre backbone, which currently stretches more than 13,000 km nationwide.
Significance of Telecom Namibia-Usakos Town Council’s partnership
The governor of the Erongo Region, Hon. Natalia/Goagoses, stressed the importance of cooperation during her remarks at the signing ceremony
She said, “Partnerships with entities like Telecom Namibia are not just welcomed but essential. They lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth, enhance public service delivery, and bring us closer to our vision of a connected, thriving Erongo Region.”
The Governor emphasised the importance of the agreement, stating, “Today’s Memorandum of Understanding is more than a formal agreement; it is a bold, shared commitment to transform Usakos into a smart city and to advance inclusive development throughout the Erongo Region.”
Calls to safeguard critical infrastructure
Additionally, the governor urged the populace to safeguard critical infrastructure.
“We must jealously guard our telecommunications and national infrastructure against vandalism and theft, as this comes at a huge cost. We won’t achieve our goals if this infrastructure is compromised,” she noted.
She ended by reaffirming her resolve to hold everyone responsible for the MoU’s goals and offer her complete support to see that they are achieved.
The governor then urged everyone to jealously protect the nation’s infrastructure, including its telecommunications, from theft and vandalism because it is extremely expensive. She emphasised that the partnership goals will be difficult to achieve if the critical infrastructures are damaged.
In conclusion, she stated that while she will hold all parties involved in this Memorandum of Understanding accountable, she will also assist them in achieving the objectives outlined in the MOU.
“Reliable connectivity is at the heart of any smart city,” stated Dr. Stanley Shanapinda, CEO of Telecom Namibia. “Our experience in Oranjemund has demonstrated just how critical connectivity is to the success of a smart city ecosystem. We are confident that Telecom Namibia is the ideal partner to support Usakos in becoming a digitally advanced, inclusive, sustainable, and thriving community.”
“This partnership with Telecom Namibia is a pivotal moment for Usakos,” said Lesley Grand Goreseb, CEO of Usakos Town Council. “We are excited to embark on this journey to become a smart city, bringing unparalleled digital opportunities and a higher quality of life to our residents. This collaboration will undoubtedly unlock new avenues for economic growth and innovation within our community.”
Investment in fibre infrastructure in Usakos
The fibre infrastructure investment in Usakos will accelerate the town’s digital transformation journey and positively affect industries such as tourism, industrial development, healthcare, agriculture, SME development, education, and real estate development.
The CEO of Telecom Namibia, Dr. Stanley Shanapinda, emphasised the initiative’s overarching goal.
“This project will set a benchmark for other towns, necessitating closer cooperation between town councils and the ICT sector to ensure smart homes and businesses. We are positioned and experienced to emulate this success in any other given town, bringing immense value through future-proof fibre technology that promises less maintenance and increased speed capacity benefits.”
Telecom Namibia’s offerings in Oranjemund demonstrate their dedication to providing reasonably priced and genuinely unlimited internet connectivity; Usakos will soon follow suit. With download speeds ranging from 8 Mbps to 120 Mbps, these services guarantee dependable access for a variety of users.
This collaboration with the Usakos Town Council demonstrates Telecom Namibia’s commitment to advancing digital technologies throughout Namibia, promoting economic growth, and improving the welfare of its people.