Namibia’s LEO play shifts to execution Namibia’s LEO play shifts to execution
With regulatory approval already secured, Radio Electronic says attention has now shifted to how low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology will be deployed and integrated into Namibia’s connectivity ecosystem — positioning it as a complementary solution rather than a disruptive force.
Radio Electronic CEO Francois du Toit made the remarks following the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia’s (CRAN) approval for the company, through its licensed subsidiary Blue Telecommunications, to deploy Eutelsat OneWeb services in the country.
Speaking to Market Watch in an exclusive interview, du Toit said the approval phase had demonstrated the robustness of Namibia’s regulatory framework, allowing advanced global satellite technologies to enter the market through locally licensed operators.
“This is a proud moment for Radio Electronic and for Namibia. Securing regulatory approval enables us to introduce Eutelsat OneWeb’s advanced LEO connectivity to the country for the first time,” du Toit said.
Not disruptive
He stressed that LEO technology should not be viewed as a replacement for fibre, mobile or fixed wireless networks, but as an additional layer of infrastructure aimed at improving coverage, resilience and performance.
“We view all LEO solutions as part of the future of satellite communications, each with a role to play in improving connectivity across the country,” he said.
Du Toit added that the rollout aligns with CRAN’s objectives of ensuring secure, consistent and compliant connectivity, particularly for enterprise, government and mission-critical users.
“Our focus is not on excluding any technology, but on ensuring that advanced connectivity solutions are deployed in a manner that is compliant, sustainable and aligned with Namibia’s regulatory objectives,” he said.
While regulatory approval to offer the service has been granted, du Toit said service activation remains subject to outstanding administrative processes.
“Type approvals for the required hardware are in place, but service activation is contingent on the formal issuance of the physical licence by CRAN,” he said, adding that this makes it premature to commit to rollout timelines.
The approval positions Radio Electronic as Namibia’s first locally licensed provider of LEO satellite services and opens the door for expanded connectivity in sectors where terrestrial networks remain limited or economically unviable.
Radio Electronic CEO Francois du Toit made the remarks following the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia’s (CRAN) approval for the company, through its licensed subsidiary Blue Telecommunications, to deploy Eutelsat OneWeb services in the country.
Speaking to Market Watch in an exclusive interview, du Toit said the approval phase had demonstrated the robustness of Namibia’s regulatory framework, allowing advanced global satellite technologies to enter the market through locally licensed operators.
“This is a proud moment for Radio Electronic and for Namibia. Securing regulatory approval enables us to introduce Eutelsat OneWeb’s advanced LEO connectivity to the country for the first time,” du Toit said.
Not disruptive
He stressed that LEO technology should not be viewed as a replacement for fibre, mobile or fixed wireless networks, but as an additional layer of infrastructure aimed at improving coverage, resilience and performance.
“We view all LEO solutions as part of the future of satellite communications, each with a role to play in improving connectivity across the country,” he said.
Du Toit added that the rollout aligns with CRAN’s objectives of ensuring secure, consistent and compliant connectivity, particularly for enterprise, government and mission-critical users.
“Our focus is not on excluding any technology, but on ensuring that advanced connectivity solutions are deployed in a manner that is compliant, sustainable and aligned with Namibia’s regulatory objectives,” he said.
While regulatory approval to offer the service has been granted, du Toit said service activation remains subject to outstanding administrative processes.
“Type approvals for the required hardware are in place, but service activation is contingent on the formal issuance of the physical licence by CRAN,” he said, adding that this makes it premature to commit to rollout timelines.
The approval positions Radio Electronic as Namibia’s first locally licensed provider of LEO satellite services and opens the door for expanded connectivity in sectors where terrestrial networks remain limited or economically unviable.
