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.
All prices are without sales tax (VAT) which is 15% in Namibia. So you need to add 15% to all prices given below.
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. Coverage along the main (B) routes is very solid for voice/text, but data is only 2G (EDGE) outside of towns. 3G (UMTS) data is usually available when passing through towns of any size.
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 and is friendly and efficient (and seemingly trustworthy).. They also configure your phone and do all necessary setup.
You can get a prepaid SIM card called Tango for N$ 6.99. It can be used for voice and data. Tourists may be offered their MTC Traveller SIM card for N$ 19.95 with N$ 19 credit included. Micro and Nano-SIMs are available.
You can find a list of "Mobile Homes": here Recharges can be bought throughout the country including street merchants.You can top up N$ 5 - 300 extending SIM life for 1 to 100 days depending on the amount. Check balance by typing *131#.
Data feature packages
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 dial *682# or *147# and follow the instructions. Add 15% taxes (VAT).
- Happy Hour: For nighttime users (midnight to 6am) a special package is offered: 7 nights for N$10. Activation: text 'HappyHour' to 145.
As of March 2016, there are some promotions available. The best value (and the one used by most locals) is the Aweh Gig package, which offers 100 minutes, 700 SMSes, and 1GB of data (plus a bonus 500GB of WhatsApp data) for N$30--a much better deal than buying the regular 1GB data bundle (with the caveat it's only good for the week).
More info
- APN: internet
- Homepage: http://www.mtc.com.na/
TN Mobile (formerly LEO, Cell One)
TN Mobile for Telecom Namibia Ltd. Mobile was previously called LEO Mobile and Cell One. It's the smaller network with a slightly lower coverage, but very similar prices. So better make a network scan before purchase. TN Mobile National Footprint
Availability
They offer two prepaid plans called Hola! and Prepaid per Second in their shops that have the same rate for data. Hola! has lower call rates per minunte, but a 30 second billing increment instead of Prepaid by second.
To check balance send a blank SMS to 124, or call 139 to hear your balance. To top up, buy a voucher and enter the voucher PIN and send the SMS to 124.
Data feature packages
Data outside of bundles is N$ 0.95 per MB. These data bundles are on offer (to all prices add 15% VAT tax):
More info
- APN: internet
- Homepage: http://www.telecom.na/index.php/tn-mobile