STAFF WRITER
The Communication Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) has confiscated radio equipment belonging to UCOM for operating without regulatory approval.
CRAN released a statement on Thursday saying UCOM formerly known as Mobile Telephone Networks Business Solutions Namibia (Pty) Ltd (MTN) continued to operate illegally in Namibia resulting in interference in frequency service.
The seizure saw UCOM Mobile’s network effectively shut down in Namibia.
CRAN Executive: Communication and Consumer Relations Mufaro Nesongano confirmed the seizure executed with the help of the Namibian police in a statement on Thursday.
“This decision was not taken lightly but is necessary to protect the proper use of the radio spectrum and to ensure better service for customers. UCOM was given sufficient time from December 2023 to fix its compliance issues but did not do so. Customers affected by this interruption are encouraged to move their services to licensed operators to continue enjoying reliable products and services in the Namibian market” said Nesongano.
On 16 February 2023 and 08 December 2023 respectively, CRAN resolved to cancel all spectrum licenses awarded to UCOM as a result of outstanding license fees.
They were also involved in the inefficient use of the awarded spectrum which resulted in hoarding of spectrum and thus constituting a material breach of UCOM’s license conditions.
“In consideration of the impact of this decision on consumers and UCOM, CRAN had granted UCOM a period of six (6) months until June 2024, to facilitate the migration of their (approximately 1,000) customers and to conduct an orderly wind-up of their operations. After this stipulated period, all services were to be terminated,” CRAN said in the statement.
CRAN added that spectrum audits conducted in July, September and October this year found that UCOM Mobile Namibia was still providing Licenses, in contravention with sections of the Communications.
“On 03 October 2025 UCOM was again instructed to immediately cease and desist from utilizing any radio frequency spectrum and to provide written confirmation to the Authority within 24 hours but has failed to do so. Despite this interaction, UCOM refused and or failed to obey the instruction. The continued illegal transmission of UCOM is now causing interference with the networks of other duly licensed operators and affecting the quality of consumer experience,” CRAN said.
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