The majority of young people use mobile phones to access internet but according to Mr Nic Rudnick, chief executive officer of the Mauritius-based Liquid Telecom which provides fibre optic cable services, internet connected with homes has the best performance.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian youth are denied access to critical technological skills they need to succeed in the modern economy largely because the majority of them operate without high-speed internet, it has been learnt. Stakeholders now say it’s time Tanzania connected homes with broadband internet so as to enable the majority of the youth to have access to high speed network.
The majority of young people use mobile phones to access internet but according to Mr Nic Rudnick, chief executive officer of the Mauritius-based Liquid Telecom which provides fibre optic cable services, internet connected with homes has the best performance.
“We need to move from depending on mobile phones for internet. People need high speed and affordable internet for them to do business from their homes,” said Mr Rudnick.
He is of the view that having internet access at homes will help youth stay connected in their information needs for education, business, and other personal uses.
However, he urged planners in cities to ensure that they will accommodate connections of fibre optic cables in homes.
“Currently, I see a lot of cables hanging on streets which is not good. I urge city planners to do additional planning and consider presence of fibre optic cables for future connections,” said Mr Rudnick.
Speaking on behalf of the minister for communications, science and technology, Prof Makame Mbarawa, acting permanent secretary John Mngodo said the government was taking various measures to ensure that Tanzania is connected to the internet.
“Currently, we are reviewing our ICT policy of 2003 to cater for technological advancement and consumer demands. We are also creating even better environment that will promote effective, safe and progressive connectivity, particularly to the rural areas,” said Mr Mngodo.
“We have established and funded the Universal Communication Services Assess Fund aimed at enhancing connectivity for rural localities.”
