CRAN releases Q2 stats
The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) published its quarterly statistics for the period 1 April to 30 June providing a comprehensive overview of subscribers, traffic, broadcasting, and postal services during the second quarter (Q2) of 2024.Highlights include statistics on Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) usage for internet access, fixed-line subscriptions, mobile outgoing minutes, revenue from the broadcasting sector, and postal operations.
According to CRAN’s Executive: Economics & Market Development Helene Vosloo, the total number of active SIM cards decreased by 5%, primarily due to a 6% decline in prepaid SIM cards. “This reduction is likely attributed to the prepaid packages with longer validity offered by licensees coupled with the implementation of SIM card registration requirements, which stipulate that only registered cards can remain active.”
As a result, mobile broadband usage on mobile phones decreased by 11%, leading to a decline in the share of SIMs accessing the internet from 66% to 61%. Conversely, usage through dongles and routers saw a substantial increase of 17% during the same timeframe.
Overall, fixed internet subscriptions declined between 3% and 15%. However, some segments demonstrated growth during this period. Fibre-To-The-X (FTTx) subscriptions increased by 9%, other wireless services grew by 2%, and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) subscriptions rose by 12%. These positive trends suggest a shift towards more modern, faster, and more flexible internet solutions
Mobile minutes
“Total outgoing mobile minutes saw a slight decline of 3%, largely influenced by a notable 14% decrease in TN Mobile On-net minutes. In contrast, mobile data usage, measured in gigabytes, experienced a modest 2% increase, primarily driven by a significant 13% rise in Paratus Telecommunications' mobile data traffic,” Vosloo added.
Furthermore, capital expenditure in the telecommunications sector amounted to approximately N$243 million, primarily directed towards enhancing both physical infrastructure and software capabilities. Meanwhile, data revenue remained consistent, with SMS and voice revenues showing predictable seasonal trends. In the realm of postal services, operations demonstrated stable activity levels overall.
Investment in the broadcasting sector reached N$1.4 million, reflecting a 26% decrease from the previous quarter. Overall revenue in the sector declined by 2%. In contrast, advertising revenue experienced a positive trend, increasing by 2% and representing 9% of the sector's total revenue, a figure that has remained stable in recent quarters.
“Pay TV subscriptions saw a significant 6% decline overall. This trend continues to fluctuate, driven by changes in consumer behaviour and market dynamics, with more viewers transitioning to alternative digital streaming platforms,” Vosloo concluded.