en.Wedoany.com Reported - Telecom Namibia is accelerating its transition from copper cables to fiber optics. The state-owned operator announced on June 10, 2026, an agreement with fiber operator Lightstruck, planning to leverage an open-access infrastructure model to provide high-speed internet services to users via the partner's fiber network, aiming to enhance connection reliability and quality. This marks the second such partnership for the company within two weeks.
In the preceding days, Telecom Namibia had signed a similar agreement with Demshi Investment Holdings. The impetus for this transformation is that copper infrastructure has become one of the main causes of network service disruptions for the operator. The company faces challenges from rising copper cable theft, with authorities reporting over 80 related cases within four months. Telecom Namibia stated that accelerating the migration to fiber will reduce exposure to easily stolen assets, particularly in high-risk areas.
Performance requirements are also a key driver of this migration. Compared to copper networks, fiber optics offer higher upload and download speeds and superior service quality, capable of meeting the bandwidth demands of current digital applications such as remote work, video conferencing, and online education. The French Electronic Communications, Postal and Print Media Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) noted that fiber networks can provide speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to several Gbps, offering significant advantages.
However, fiber networks in Africa are not entirely immune to disruptions. In countries like Nigeria and Cameroon, fiber damage incidents occur frequently due to malicious theft or accidental damage during public works, causing economic losses for operators and governments. To enhance protection, multiple African countries have adopted measures including strengthening legal frameworks, setting deterrent fines and penalties, and establishing public-private coordination mechanisms to address construction-related damage.
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