Paratus pumps N$600m in new mobile network, strikes first with e-SIM

STAFF WRITER 

Paratus Telecom have celebrated their 20 year anniversary with the launch of a mobile network backed by a N$600 million investment.

Speaking at the company’s anniversary and mobile network launch on Tuesday Paratus Executive Chairman, Barney Harmse said the two decades in the country have been marked by consistency, resilience and innovation which has kept the company competitive.

The investment raises the competition in the Namibian mobile industry to the ceiling and comes after Mobile Telecommunication Company MTC launched their MTC Maris application which gives Namibians convenience to borrow instant small scale loans at the tip of their finger points. 

Paratus became the first mobile phone company to launch a fully blown  e-sim service in the country.

Harmse said Paratus has poured in in excess of N$1 417 billion in infrastructure development in Namibia and continues to invest in other aspects including education.

“Over the past decades we have remained connected to Namibia.

“We have invested over N$1417 billion in infrastructure, strengthening network capacity, coverage and future-readiness.The new network supported by a N$600 million investment is a major step forward in expanding access and enabling Namibians to fully embrace modern digital lifestyles,”Harmse said.

He said the company’s Eduvision programme has changed lives for thousands of pupils in the country’s rural areas who now have internet connectivity and easy access to study material because of better access to the internet.

According to Harmse almost a third of the investment was spent in integrating Partatus’ system into a single customer centric platform.

Harmse said the new network developed with a partnership with Nokia creates a seamless service for high end mobile phone users with abundant access to fast and efficient data services.

Paratus Managing DirectorAndrew Hall said the launch of the new mobile network signals that company;’s seriousness to lead in the technological advancement space as well provide customers a classy experience.

“Digital transformation is at the heart of everything that we do.Wghat began in Covid 19 days as a necessity enabling customers to sign up for home has matured into a fully digital way of engaging with Paratus,” he said.

Minister of Information and Communication Technology Emma Theofelus congratulated Paratus on reaching the 20 year milestone and encouraged them to continue investing in Namibia’s ICT industry.She said Paratrus has also contributed immensely to job creation and making sure that Namibia remains competitive in digital advancement.