Vodacom becomes first to launch 5G technology in Tanzania
Vodacom Tanzania plc has launched 5G technology in Dar es Salaam. This was unveiled by the company’s Acting Managing Director, Hilda Bujiku in the presence of Minister of Information, Communications and Information Technology, Nape Nnauye on September 1.
The subsidiary is a member company of Vodacom Group Limited, a South African mobile communications company which has its operations in Mozambique, DR Congo, Kenya, Lesotho and Tanzania. Vodacom Tanzania which became the largest mobile communications network operator within one year of launching has now rolled out its 5G network which serves as the first of its kind in the country.
“Having been first to launch 5G in Africa, this is an exciting milestone in Vodacom’s history as we continue to densify 5G services across our Africa markets, bringing the continent closer to the global digital economy through the latest generation of mobile technology. Congratulations to the Tanzanian team for bringing us one step closer to an inclusive, fully digitised future for all Africans,” said Vodacom Group CEO, Shameel Joosub.
The roll out will start with establishment of over 200 5G sites in Tanzania’s regions such as Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, Iringa, Arusha, Kagera, Mwanza, Njombe, and also Zanzibar, among other areas by November 2022. “Our promise is to continue using technology to improve the lives of Tanzanians and lead the digital transformation. As we launch 5G we plan to reach 90 percent of Tanzanians with 3G and 45 by 2024,” Bujiku said.
Vodacom Tanzania Director of Network, Mr Andrew Lupembe credited the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) for its involvement in the success of the network. “Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) set up a technology neutral spectrum that enabled us to invest and launch 5G.”
Mr Lupembe explained why 5G was launched instead of enhancing 4G in the country, he said; “4G is good, but due to community demands, there was a need for higher technology with low lateceny, hence 5G. It will address a lot of challenges in Tanzania,” he added.
According to him, businesses should look forward to great transformation such as internet of things, artificial intelligence, remote access of Healthcare, among other great rewards in sectors such as education, transportation, tourism.
Speaking at the event on the role of the government in ensuring a conducive environment, Nape said the latest development is a welcome milestone and a step towards Tanzania achieving its digital economy journey and fourth industrial revolution.
“We are joining an elite league of countries in Africa and the world who’ve launched 5G technology. The future is innovation and this is a good step. Through TCRA, Tanzania is embarking on great digital development projects such as constructing the National Fibre Optic Cable network named as National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) with a view to achieve greater connectivity across the country and beyond,” said Nape.