Telecom Namibia has rolled out its commercial 4G LTE services under its TN Mobile brand, that is set to offer LTE data speeds of “up to 100Mbps” to all pre- and post-paid subscribers, while coverage outside 4G areas would be offered on its newly upgraded and expanded 3G network with maximum speeds of 21 Mbps (HSPA+), reports say.
For pre-paid TN Mobile users, the company is offering a 4G LTE USB dongle modem bundled with 500MB data for NAD298 (USD29), while data is charged at the same rate regardless of whether using 4G or 3G. Initially available in the capital Windhoek and its surrounds, it will also be available in other urban centres including Swakopmund, Walvis Bay, Langstrand, Henties Bay, Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Ohangwena and Oshikango.
Telecom Namibia says this compares favourably with existing LTE provider MTC Namibia’s promised top 4G speed of 50Mbps and maximum 3G data rate of 7.2Mbps.
According to the operator, although Apple handsets (iPhone) or tablets (iPad) are not currently compliant with its 4G dongles, the modem device would still work on an Apple laptop.
A monthly post-paid LTE subscription is charged at NAD398 (compared to MTC’s N399 package), with a connection fee of NAD175 (MTC: NAD218) with 10GB of inclusive data (the same as MTC’s basic package), while the rival cellcos both offer a bonus ‘double up’ 5GB, and both offer ‘rollover’ data up to a maximum of three months.
For now, TN Mobile is bundling in free Wi-Fi hotspot coverage which MTC does not include in its package. An unlimited TN Mobile LTE data package is worth NAD998 (MTC: NAD999), with a fair usage policy which downloads at speed to 512kbps when 90GB is reached in a month.