Tanzania’s journey in broadband penetration

Dar es Salaam. By March 2023, over 33 million people in Tanzania had access to the internet.

That is equivalent to 53.5 percent of the entire country’s population which stood at 61.7 people per the 2022 census.

That data from the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA) make Tanzania only 27 percent behind its 80 percent broadband coverage target.

According to the regulator, among internet users, 74 percent of the population is covered by a 3G mobile broadband network signal while 58 percent have access to 4G or higher.

Tanzania has made remarkable progress in broadband penetration, as the trend in the number of subscriptions to the internet shows an average growth rate of 17 percent annually for the past five years.

This is supported by the improving access to telecom services, whose subscription counting of all active SIM Cards which have registered activity or used at least once in the past three months stood at 61.9 million at the end of March 2023.

The government’s commitment to expanding internet access has positioned Tanzania as a frontrunner in digital connectivity within the African continent.

Deputy Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Mr Kundo Mathew, has been quoted saying that the government recognizes broadband’s vital role in driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and empowering its citizens.

He said collaborating with private sector partners, the government implemented several strategies aimed at expanding the broadband infrastructure and making internet services more affordable.

 “Following the 5G service launch in major centres in the country, access to the internet, particularly mobile broadband, has recently begun to take off.

 It is estimated that there are around 49 users per 100 inhabitants.

 The government is aiming for 80 percent penetration by the year 2025,” he said during a digital summit, held in Cape Town last year.

 “We have made several initiatives, including recognizing, building the capacity and skills of ICT professionals, providing foresight and trends in ICT through research in collaboration with ICT stakeholders, and fostering strategic investment in ICT,” he added.

Despite these accomplishments, Tanzania recognizes that there is still work to be done to achieve the ambitious target of 80 percent broadband penetration.

The government remains steadfast in its commitment to expanding internet access, particularly in rural and underserved areas, by continuing to invest in infrastructure and fostering public-private partnerships.

In their special report to mark 50 years of communication, TCRA highlighted five key challenges in Tanzania’s telecom and internet coverage.

These they say include research and development (R&D) within the communication sector, infrastructure, and communication networks to support the spread of ICT services in the country, especially in rural areas, cyber security threats importation of substandard communication devices into the country, and deployment of ICT services nationwide.

One of the primary challenges that the country would need to counter is the need for increased investment in research and development (R&D) to support innovations and technology to catch up with the speed of global trends.

Expanding infrastructure especially in rural areas as the majority of the unconnected population reside in rural regions.

However, the government seems to be moving toward expanding the connectivity levels and quality as President Samia Suluhu Hassan recently announced that Tanzania will develop its satellite.

The development of a satellite has far-reaching implications across multiple sectors.

 In communication, a satellite can enhance connectivity in remote areas, bridge the digital divide, and improve access to education and healthcare services.

 “We are well prepared, we have started discussions, and we will have a satellite in Tanzania,” President Samia asserted.

Several African countries have successfully launched their satellites, leveraging the potential of space-based technologies to address specific societal challenges and drive progress.

Moreover, good policies and strategies are needed to fight the threats to cyber security in Tanzania as a growing number of internet users expose more people to the dangers of the digital world.

A cyber security threat refers to any possible malicious attack that seeks to unlawfully access data, disrupt digital operations, or damage information.

The country would also need to control the importation of substandard electronic communication devices especially mobile phones to ensure standard and quality.

On March 30, 2023, TCRA issued notifications that individuals or companies that wish to import electronic communications equipment to Tanzania will need to have equipment that has not reached end-of-life.

Equipment that arrives at end-of-life will be charged an electronic waste management fee to cover management costs of the equipment.

Overall the impact of improved broadband access is already evident in various sectors of Tanzanian society.

 In education, students can now access online learning resources, bridging the educational gap between urban and rural areas.

Small businesses have expanded their reach by utilizing e-commerce platforms, enabling them to access national and international markets.

 Additionally, healthcare services have been enhanced through telemedicine, bringing medical expertise to remote communities.

Tanzania’s journey towards 80 percent broadband penetration serves as an inspiring example for other nations in the region and beyond.

By overcoming challenges and embracing innovative solutions, Tanzania has set a precedent for how governments can drive digital inclusion and empower their citizens through enhanced connectivity.