Phone calls still a big spend, but data is rising fast
In the Namibian telecom landscape, a telling trend is unfolding. Between July and September this year, Namibians spent a staggering 46,357 hours talking on the phone. In monetary terms, that translated to about N$659 million, illustrating that voice remains a substantial expense for households and businesses despite a broader shift toward data-based communication.
SMS activity remains massive as the data tide rises
Beyond voice, SMS activity is also a key signal of how people stay connected. During the same quarter, more than two billion SMS messages were sent. While the message market still commands a large volume of daily communication, the sheer scale of messaging underscores a transition period—where traditional SMS remains relevant even as data-driven apps grow in prominence.
Why the internet is winning
Several factors explain the shift toward the internet as the preferred communication channel:
- Cost efficiency: Data-based messaging and voice calls through apps can offer lower effective costs per minute or per message, especially for international or long-distance communication.
- Rich features: Internet-based services provide voice, video, and messaging in a single platform with attachments, group chats, and integration with other apps, making them more versatile than traditional calls.
- ubiquity of mobile data: As mobile data networks expand and pricing becomes more competitive, more Namibians rely on data services for everyday information, entertainment, and work tasks.
- Economic resilience: Businesses increasingly rely on data-enabled tools for collaboration, customer engagement, and remote work—further boosting data use over voice calls.
Impact on households and the telecom market
The revenue mix for telecommunications providers is gradually tilting toward data services. While voice remains a significant revenue stream, the growth of mobile data traffic and messaging apps is reshaping how people allocate their monthly spend. Consumers benefit from more affordable bundles that combine data, voice, and messaging in one price, enabling greater use of internet-based communication tools at home and on the go.
What this means for consumers
For Namibians, the trend offers several practical implications. Households should evaluate their phone and data plans to optimize spending for current usage patterns: higher data allowances paired with sufficient voice minutes or flexible add-ons can maximize value. For small businesses, prioritizing reliable data connectivity can unlock efficiencies in customer outreach, marketing, and collaboration, potentially reducing reliance on traditional voice calls.
Looking ahead
As the digital ecosystem matures, expect continued growth in data consumption and a gradual decline in the proportion of household budgets allocated to voice calls. The ongoing expansion of 4G/5G coverage, smarter data pricing, and innovative bundled services will likely accelerate the internet’s victory, reshaping the way Namibians communicate and do business.
Key figures at a glance
- Phone calls: 46,357 hours in July–September this year
- Monetary cost: approximately N$659 million for calls
- SMS traffic: over 2 billion messages sent in the same period
In a market where the numbers point toward cheaper, richer, and more flexible data-based communication, the internet is winning the battle for everyday connectivity in Namibia.
