Namibia is a country with a very low population density. But mobile phone coverage is quite good in populated areas and along the main highways. Some coverage is nearly always given throughout the country with exception to some National Parks (like Etosha) where you get data and phone services only in rest camps.3G is only available in large towns and villages and. Expect data speeds to be low at other places.
Namibia has two network operators:
- MTC
- TN Mobile
2G is on 900 and 1800 Mhz, 3G on 2100 Mhz only. 4G/LTE has started on both operators on 1800 Mhz in some town centres only and is available for prepaid.
MTC
MTC is the first mobile phone provider with the most customers in Namibia and a pretty good coverage. MTC coverage map . It is the recommended network for travellers.
Availability
You can find MTC shops called "Mobile Homes" in all shopping malls in Windhoek and also at the airport, when arriving at the Husea Kutako Airport (WDH). The airport shop is open between 6am and 9pm covering all international arrivals.
In addition you can find a list of "Mobile Homes": here of SIM cards in Windhoek is recommended. Recharge can be bought throughout the country including street merchants.
You can get a prepaid Sim card called Tango for N$6.99. It can be used for voice and data. Tourist will be offered their MTC Traveller SIM card for N$19.95 with N$ 19 credit included.
You can top up N$ 5 - 300 extending SIM life for 1 to 100 days depending on the amount.
Data bundles
After activation default tariff is 1 N$ per MByte. Additional internet options are available as "Netman" packages:
To activate one of the packages, buy and activate sufficient credit (give it some slack), then send an empty SMS to 147 or dial *147# and follow the instructions.
More info
- APN: ppsinternet
- User: ppsuser
- Password: ppsuser
- Tethering is allowed
- Homepage: http://www.mtc.com.na/
TN Mobile (formerly LEO, Cell One)
TN Mobile for Telecom Namibia Ltd. Mobile was formerly called LEO Mobile and Cell One. It is the smaller network with the lower coverage. So make a network scan before using. TN Mobile National Footprint
They offer two prepaid plans called Hola! and Prepaid per Second in their shops. Data out side of bundles is N$ 0.95 per MB. These data bundles are on offer:
- APN: internet
- Homepage: http://www.telecom.na/index.php/tn-mobile