CRAN conducts independent testing of MTC data usage … to verify digital consumption patterns surrounding data claims

The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) will embark on an independent technical testing initiative to investigate persistent consumer complaints over what some customers calls “unexplained” mobile data depletion and billing discrepancies.

The independent testing marks one of CRAN’s most significant interventions yet into Namibia’s telecommunications sector.

The move follows a high-level engagement between CRAN and Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) aimed at restoring consumer confidence and improving transparency around mobile data usage, billing practices and service delivery. Namibian consumers have for years taken to social media to complain that their mobile data bundles disappear faster than expected, often alleging that data is consumed without a clear explanation. While the issue has largely been driven by consumer perception, CRAN intends to establish an evidence-based understanding of the problem through a structured technical investigation. At the centre of the regulator’s intervention is a comprehensive technical testing and verification exercise involving consumers who have experienced data depletion or billing concerns.

Under the initiative, participating customers will voluntarily allow their mobile usage to be independently assessed. CRAN will oversee the testing methodology, consumer sampling, verification processes and implementation, while MTC will provide technical support together with customer charging records needed to validate complaints.