Internet Access in Tanzania: A Path to Digital Inclusion

Tanzania has made significant strides in expanding internet access in recent years. The country's internet penetration rate has grown from just 6% in 2011 to 25% in 2020.

The Tanzanian government has been actively working to increase internet access, with a goal of connecting 90% of the population by 2025. This ambitious plan aims to bridge the digital divide and promote economic growth.

Mobile internet is the primary means of accessing the internet in Tanzania, with over 90% of internet users relying on mobile networks. This is largely due to the widespread availability of mobile phone services and the affordability of mobile internet plans.

A unique perspective: T Mobile Internet Wifi Mesh Access Point

Tanzania's fixed broadband sector is small, with only about 71,661 fiber-to-the-home subscriptions and 11,540 fiber-to-the-office subscriptions in the entire country by the end of 2024.

The majority of households rely on mobile networks for internet access, as fixed broadband reaches well under 1% of the population. This is due in part to the lack of modernized copper infrastructure outside of city centers.

The state-run Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL) is the leading fixed broadband provider, with private ISPs like SimbaNET and CMC/Smile also offering fiber or fixed-wireless services targeting corporate clients and expatriates.

The National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB), a government-owned fiber network, spans over 8,300 km across Tanzania and connects to at least six neighboring countries, positioning Tanzania as a potential regional hub for traffic.

Here's an interesting read: Telecommunications in Tanzania

Mobile connectivity is a crucial aspect of Tanzania's digital transformation. With 67.72 million active mobile cellular connections, roughly equivalent to 99% of the population, mobile broadband has become the primary means of internet access for many Tanzanians.

The sheer number of mobile connections is staggering, and it's not uncommon for individuals to own multiple SIM cards. This is reflected in the fact that the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority tracks subscriptions across all devices and SIM cards.

The rapid growth of mobile broadband subscriptions is a testament to the increasing demand for online services and the government's digitalization efforts. In late 2024, there was a whopping 16% jump in active internet subscriptions, reaching 48 million by the end of the year.

This surge in subscriptions is likely due to the aggressive push by operators to register new data customers, as well as the growing need for online services among Tanzanians. The fact that nearly 7 million new internet subscriptions were added in late 2024 alone is a clear indication of this trend.

Fixed broadband in Tanzania is a small but growing sector, with most households relying on mobile networks for internet access. The vast majority of households do not have wired internet connections.

Tanzania's fixed broadband sector is small, with only about 71,661 fiber-to-the-home subscriptions and 11,540 fiber-to-the-office subscriptions by the end of 2024. This is tiny compared to mobile subscriptions, highlighting that fixed broadband reaches well under 1% of the population.

The leading fixed broadband provider is the state-run Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL), which has rolled out fiber in Dar es Salaam and other cities, and provides DSL in limited areas. Private ISPs also operate in this space, offering fiber or fixed-wireless services targeting corporate clients and expatriates.

A typical home fiber package in Tanzania can cost on the order of $50–$100 per month, which is beyond the reach of most households. Many communities don't have the cables laid to them yet, making it difficult for people to access fixed broadband.

The National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) is a government-owned fiber network that spans over 8,300 km across Tanzania and connects to at least six neighboring countries. This backbone allows ISPs and mobile operators to extend connectivity to more towns and to interchange traffic domestically.

Here are some of the leading fixed broadband providers in Tanzania:

In Tanzania, internet access is provided by a mix of government-run and private companies.

Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited (TTCL) is the main government-run internet service provider, offering a range of services including broadband and mobile internet.

TTCL has invested heavily in expanding its network to rural areas, with over 80% of the country now covered.

The private sector is dominated by Vodacom, which offers a range of internet plans and has a strong presence in urban areas.

Vodacom's network is particularly popular among businesses and individuals who need fast and reliable internet for work or education.

Tigo and Zantel are other major internet service providers in Tanzania, offering competitive plans and services to customers.

Internet access in Tanzania has come a long way since its inception in 1995. Within 5 years, 115,000 people were connected to the Internet.

Vizocom, one of the largest ISPs in the country, has a local presence and an established partner network to ensure coverage is available to clients across all locations.

Tanzania has seen significant growth in internet penetration over the years. In 2010, it was approximately 11%, or around 4.8 million Tanzanian users. By 2017, this number had increased to 40% of the population, with a notable increase in smartphone access.

Vizocom provides a range of services in Tanzania, including internet services, collaboration solutions, and supply chain and mission support services. Their VSAT services are highly reliable and supported by a 24/7/365 Customer Support Center with local field support.

Several satellites support internet access in Tanzania, including Telstar 11N, Africasat 1A, ABS-2, Arabsat 5C, and NSS-12. These satellites deliver a flexible range of services on Ku-Band, C-Band, and Ka-Band frequencies.

Here are some key statistics on internet access in Tanzania:

The digital gender gap in Tanzania is a significant issue, with only 17% of women having mobile internet access compared to 35% of men.

Internet access in Tanzania has experienced significant growth since its inception in 1995. Within 5 years, 115,000 people were connected to the Internet.

Vizocom, one of the largest ISPs in the country, provides a full scope of internet services, including terrestrial and satellite services. This includes collaboration solutions and supply chain & mission support services.

Vizocom's VSAT services are highly reliable, and their 24/7/365 Customer Support Center, with local field support, ensures that clients receive timely assistance.

Internet speeds have gotten faster, but the cost of access hasn't kept pace. The average price of a 1-gigabit internet plan increased by 15% between 2020 and 2022.

Many internet service providers (ISPs) now offer tiered pricing plans, with lower speeds at lower prices. For example, a 100-megabit plan might cost $50 per month, while a 1-gigabit plan costs $100 per month.

Fiber-optic internet, which offers the fastest speeds, is often the most expensive option. A survey found that 75% of respondents who chose fiber-optic internet did so because it was the fastest option available, despite the higher price.

In some areas, internet access is still a luxury due to limited availability and high prices. A study found that 25% of rural areas have no access to high-speed internet, and those that do often pay more than their urban counterparts.

The cost of internet access can be a significant burden for low-income households. A report found that 40% of households earning less than $25,000 per year spend more than 10% of their income on internet access.

Internet speed is a crucial factor in determining the overall quality of your internet experience. A slow internet speed can be frustrating, making it difficult to stream your favorite shows or play online games.

The average internet speed in the US is around 94 Mbps, according to data from 2020. This speed is sufficient for basic tasks like browsing and emailing, but may not be enough for more demanding activities.

A good internet speed can make a big difference in your daily life. For example, a speed of at least 25 Mbps is recommended for streaming 4K videos.

In some areas, internet speeds can be much faster. For instance, fiber-optic internet can reach speeds of up to 10 Gbps.

The Tanzanian government has been working to improve internet access in the country, with a goal of increasing the number of internet users to 40% of the population by 2025.

One of the key initiatives is the Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited (TTCL), which was established to provide internet services to rural areas. It has already connected over 1,000 villages to the internet.

The government is also investing in the development of a national fiber-optic network, which will improve internet speeds and accessibility across the country. This project is expected to be completed by 2023.

Tanzania has made significant progress in increasing internet penetration, with the number of internet users growing from 10% of the population in 2015 to 25% in 2020.

Internet access in Tanzania has a significant history, with the first connections established in 1995. Within just five years, an impressive 115,000 people were online.

Vizocom, one of the largest ISPs in the country, has a strong local presence and a network of partners to ensure reliable coverage across Tanzania. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including terrestrial and satellite internet.

Vizocom's extensive experience in providing VSAT and ICT services to various industries, such as defense and oil and gas, has made them a trusted partner for operations in Tanzania and beyond. Their highly reliable VSAT services and 24/7 customer support make them a top choice for ICT and communication service providers.

Here are some of the satellites supporting internet services in Tanzania, including Telstar 11N, Africasat 1A, ABS-2, Arabsat 5C, and NSS-12.

Internet Services in Tanzania have come a long way since 1995, when internet access first began in the country. Within 5 years, 115,000 people were connected to the internet.

Vizocom is one of the largest ISPs in Tanzania, with a local presence and an established partner network to ensure coverage across all locations. They provide a full scope of services, including internet services, collaboration solutions, and supply chain & mission support services.

Tanzania's internet penetration rate is steadily growing, with about 21.82 million Tanzanians using the internet as of January 2024, representing 31.9% of the population. This marks a significant increase from the previous year.

The country's population is young, with a median age of around 17, and mostly rural, with 62% living in rural areas. This means the next wave of internet growth will likely come from connecting rural communities and youth.

Tanzania has made significant progress in internet access, with 48 million active internet subscriptions by the end of 2024. This is a huge jump from just a quarter earlier, with many Tanzanians adopting additional data SIMs/devices.

Vizocom's VSAT services are highly reliable, and they have a 24/7/365 Customer Support Center with local field support who speak the local language. This makes them a top choice for ICT and communication service providers in Tanzania.

Here are some of the satellites that support internet services in Tanzania, including Telstar 11N, Africasat 1A, ABS-2, Arabsat 5C, and NSS-12.

Jabhera Matogoro aimed to bring 20 million more Tanzanians online, roughly half the country.

The rural regions of Tanzania have an incredibly low internet access rate, with about 86% of rural residents lacking access.

Additional reading: Rural Internet

Matogoro's fellowship is making steady progress, establishing five community network cooperative societies in Tanzania.

These networks leverage existing infrastructure, such as television white space, to bring internet connectivity to thousands of Tanzanians.

186 people were trained in technical and non-technical skills to run the network themselves.

Capacity building is crucial for achieving sustainability in community networks, according to Matogoro.

Matogoro also participated in drafting television white space regulation and submitted it to Tanzania's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

A multi-stakeholder team was established to drive this work forward, housed within the Ministry and the President's Office Regional Administration and Local Government.

This team will map connectivity demand for schools, health facilities, and villages, and build ICT capacity for skilled workforces in both sectors.

Matogoro's work will continue under the banner of tzCNA, a nonprofit organization registered to operate in Tanzania Mainland.

The goal is to close the digital divide in Tanzania, allowing citizens to participate in the digital economy.

You might enjoy: Hybrid Access Networks