(Ecofin Agency) - Namibia’s power utility NamPower signed on July 29, 2019, a commercial contract with fiber optics Internet connectivity provider Paratus Africa. The agreement allows Paratus to use the data capabilities of the high-speed telecom network called “The Grid Online,” officially launched last March, to improve the quality of its Internet services.

“Through the Grid Online, NamPower will now provide managed services to Paratus Africa or any other telecommunications service provider that signs up with us,” said Kahenge Haulofu, NamPower's Managing Director. The Director says the agreement is approved by the Ministry of Communication Technologies as it is in line with the infrastructure sharing policy required by the Namibian Communications Regulatory Authority.

Paratus’ CEO Barney Harmse says his company is currently carrying out numerous relay stations and service tests. The stations of Van Eck, Windhoek and Swakopmund have been completed while the Zambezi and Walvis Bay substations are still under construction.