081Every1 phase 2 kicks off
The 081Every1 project is a national capital initiative that aims to connect every citizen on the country's national network grid.
MTC yesterday announced that phase one of its 081Every1 network project has been completed, and that phase two kicked off at the beginning of February.
Providing an update on the progress of the project, MTC's chief of human capital and corporate affairs, Tim Ekandjo, said the N$1 billion project aims to roll out 524 sites over three years.
The 081Every1 network project is a national capital initiative that aims connect every citizen on the country's national network grid from 2G to 3G in rural areas, and 3G to 4G in towns.
Ekandjo said the first phase was completed at a cost of N$232 million, with a total of 132 sites rolled out, exceeding the initial target of 111 sites.
“Of the 132 sites, 122 are on air and carrying traffic, 10 have civil works completed and await power energising, and three sites are running on MTC generators. We are pleased with the progress that we have made thus far, and are confident that we will have all the sites switched on by the end of March.”
According to Ekandjo, the 132 sites are spread across the country with the Kavango East, Ohangwena, Omusati and Otjozondjupa regions having 11 sites respectively.
Ten sites are located in the Erongo Region, while the Hardap, Kavango West, Khomas and Oshana regions each have eight sites.
The //Karas and the Ohangwena regions both have seven sites while six sites are located in the Zambezi Region. Ekandjo said a total of 17 contractors were appointed to kickstart the project during phase one, while 15 of these contractors will continue the work during phase two.
Phase two is planned to roll out a total of 102 sites by the end of September, to the cost of N$278 million.
According to Ekandjo, of the 102 sites, 87 will be erected in rural areas, and 15 in urban areas.
Ekandjo further highlighted several challenges the company has experienced.
According to him, MTC has seen an increase in vandalism of sites, which also increases the cost of operations and hampers service delivery.
“The increase of battery theft is of a grave concern in Namibia as we have break-ins weekly at our sites where batteries are stolen. We therefore plead with the public to help guard these towers as they are providing services and those vandalising and stealing are depriving all access to services,” said Ekandjo.
He added that instable power remains a concern in vast parts of the country and this has a direct impact on MTC delivering services as required.
Although MTC is considering the use of renewable power, it is a challenge as the company is also trying to contribute by bringing the grid closer to residents by extending powerlines to its towers, he said.
The 081Every1 network project was launched in August 2017 with the aim to expand MTC's network footprint and infrastructure and achieve close to 100% population network coverage through the roll-out of 524 sites, constructed by Namibian companies.
ELLANIE SMIT
Providing an update on the progress of the project, MTC's chief of human capital and corporate affairs, Tim Ekandjo, said the N$1 billion project aims to roll out 524 sites over three years.
The 081Every1 network project is a national capital initiative that aims connect every citizen on the country's national network grid from 2G to 3G in rural areas, and 3G to 4G in towns.
Ekandjo said the first phase was completed at a cost of N$232 million, with a total of 132 sites rolled out, exceeding the initial target of 111 sites.
“Of the 132 sites, 122 are on air and carrying traffic, 10 have civil works completed and await power energising, and three sites are running on MTC generators. We are pleased with the progress that we have made thus far, and are confident that we will have all the sites switched on by the end of March.”
According to Ekandjo, the 132 sites are spread across the country with the Kavango East, Ohangwena, Omusati and Otjozondjupa regions having 11 sites respectively.
Ten sites are located in the Erongo Region, while the Hardap, Kavango West, Khomas and Oshana regions each have eight sites.
The //Karas and the Ohangwena regions both have seven sites while six sites are located in the Zambezi Region. Ekandjo said a total of 17 contractors were appointed to kickstart the project during phase one, while 15 of these contractors will continue the work during phase two.
Phase two is planned to roll out a total of 102 sites by the end of September, to the cost of N$278 million.
According to Ekandjo, of the 102 sites, 87 will be erected in rural areas, and 15 in urban areas.
Ekandjo further highlighted several challenges the company has experienced.
According to him, MTC has seen an increase in vandalism of sites, which also increases the cost of operations and hampers service delivery.
“The increase of battery theft is of a grave concern in Namibia as we have break-ins weekly at our sites where batteries are stolen. We therefore plead with the public to help guard these towers as they are providing services and those vandalising and stealing are depriving all access to services,” said Ekandjo.
He added that instable power remains a concern in vast parts of the country and this has a direct impact on MTC delivering services as required.
Although MTC is considering the use of renewable power, it is a challenge as the company is also trying to contribute by bringing the grid closer to residents by extending powerlines to its towers, he said.
The 081Every1 network project was launched in August 2017 with the aim to expand MTC's network footprint and infrastructure and achieve close to 100% population network coverage through the roll-out of 524 sites, constructed by Namibian companies.
ELLANIE SMIT
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