Airtel extends 4G network for miners, farmers in rural Tanzania

Geita/ Kigoma. Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Nape Nnauye recently inspected three communicational towers that are set up by Airtel Tanzania in Kigoma- Kumbanga site, Geita-Nyakagkmba site and Busonzo site.

During the visit, the Minister commended Airtel Tanzania for its remarkable development in elevating connectivity and bridging the digital divide in remote underserved communities.

The three towers are part of Airtel Tanzania’s initiative funded by UCSAF and the World Bank under the DTP project where crucial step seeks to enable and improve connectivity in areas that have been disconnected from vital communication networks.

Airtel Tanzania, as the pioneering Mobile Network Operator (MNO) involved in this initiative, has completed and activated 84 4G sites, including the towers in Kigoma -Kumbanga, Geita-Nyakagkmba and Busonzo villages.

Speaking during the special inspection tour conducted by Minister Nnauye, said the three towers constructed by Airtel Tanzania under Digital Tanzania Project in those villages is the step forward toward connecting rural Tanzania to the digital economy.

“I would like to congratulate Airtel Tanzania for prioritizing Tanzanians in both rural and urban areas in network connectivity. This will undoubtedly improve the quality of their lives because their economic activities will be positively impacted by the use of technologies,” he said.

He further detailed “am happy to see the three Airtel towers at Kigoma -Kumbanga village, Geita-Nyakagkmba, and Busonzo villages are among 758 under Digital Tanzania project in which on May 13, 2023, President Samia Suluhu Hassan witnessed the signing of its contracts worth Sh275.5 billion for the construction of 758 communication towers in 713 districts in mainland Tanzania.”

These three Airtel towers will transform the lives of the villagers as they will enable them to access a wide range of mobile and digital services that are connected to different developmental sectors such as education and health. 

On his part, Airtel Zonal Sales Manager Isack Kijuu explained that the activation of the three towers showcases Airtel Tanzania’s dedication to uplifting and transforming rural areas through advanced technology. 

“Our shared goal with the government through the Ministry of Information, Communication, and Information Technology is to improve the lives of Tanzanians and through this initiative, we are ensuring that digital inclusion is not a myth to underserved communities. They too must have access to improved connectivity," Kijuu.

According to one resident, the Airtel Tower has helped to put an end to communication challenges that were faced by the villagers who had to seek certain spots where communication is accessible.

“With the new Airtel tower, with a very good network, we are now communicating better and the development in the village is also surging at a good pace,” she said.