Tanzania warns Halotel for extending optic fibre broadband services to Burundi

Dar es Salaam. The government has today October 7, warned Halotel Tanzania over the telecommunication firm’s decision to extend its optic fibre broadband services to Burundi without following the proper channels.

The authorities say under established procedure such extension must be channeled through the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB).

But in his tour to inspect communication services at Kabanga at the border between Tanzania and Burundi, the deputy Minister for Works, Transport and Communications, Mr Atashasta Nditiye, realized that Halotel has connected its optic fibre broadband services directly on Burundi’s Backbone System.

“I am telling Halotel to use the NICTBB in extending its optic fibre broadband services to Burundi. They must follow procedures as laid down between the two countries in extending such services across the border. The procedure is that optic fibre broadband services must be connected at the border via the NICTBB and not directly from a company,” Mr Nditiye is quoted as saying in a statement from the ministry’s communications department.

By connecting directly to Burundi’s Backbone System, Halotel’s decision is denying the government of its revenue. It is also putting Tanzania’s security at stake.

An engineer from Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation, Mr Marwa Mwita, conquered with Mr Nditiye, saying it was against procedures for any private company to extend optic fibre broadband services beyond Tanzania’s borders.