Africa-Press – Tanzania. MINISTER for Communication and Information Technology, Angellah Kairuki, has commended Tanzania’s telecommunications service providers for their continued cooperation with the government in ensuring wider, affordable and higher-quality communication services across the country.
Speaking on Friday during the signing of the tenthphase contracts for rural telecommunications expansion between the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF) and various telecom operators, a programme worth 19.7bn/-, the Minister said service providers have played a key role in delivering essential social services.
The agreements will extend mobile network coverage to 201 wards and 263 villages, reaching an estimated 2.8 million Tanzanians.
Ms Kairuki said the operators’ services such as TTCL, YAS, Airtel and Vodacom have strengthened communication infrastructure that supports schools, hospitals and other community activities.
The minister further assured the operators that her ministry will address challenges related to licensing and operational permits that have previously hindered service provision.
“On the issue of permits, let me assure you we will follow up closely to ensure these challenges are resolved,” she said. Ms Kairuki urged all stakeholders to ensure that the newly launched project is completed within the planned time frame of 15 months.
UCSAF Director General Engineer Peter Mwasalyanda expressed gratitude to the government for its consistent support of the fund’s mission to extend communications infrastructure to underserved communities.
He announced that UCSAF will soon embark on an additional project aimed at upgrading network towers across the country to support 3G, 4G and 5G services.
“We thank the government for its strong cooperation. Soon we will begin a project to strengthen several towers to provide 3G, 4G and 5G connectivity,” he said.
Airtel Tanzania Managing Director Charles Kamoto said the contract marks another step in Tanzania’s digital transformation. He noted that the project will advance the country’s digital economy while expanding opportunities for citizens.
TTCL Managing Director CPA Moremi Marwa said the investment represents a significant catalyst for digitaleconomy growth.
“TTCL will continue to fulfil its mandate by providing modern communications services to support national development in technology,” he said.
Vodacom Managing Director Philip Besiimire also voiced strong support for the initiative, describing rural connectivity as an essential pillar of national development.
