List of mobile network operators in Tanzania with Network Details

Tanzania has a vibrant mobile network scene, with several operators offering a range of services to suit different needs.

Vodacom Tanzania is one of the largest mobile network operators in the country, with over 20 million subscribers. It offers a wide range of services including voice, data, and financial services.

Airtel Tanzania is another major player, with a strong presence in the country's rural areas. It offers affordable data bundles and voice services to its customers.

Tigo Tanzania is a popular choice among Tanzanians, known for its reliable network and affordable tariffs.

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Tanzania has a number of mobile network operators providing service in the country. Airtel, Tigo, Vodacom, and Halotel are the major players in the market.

You can check network coverage in your area by visiting the operators' websites. Vodacom and Tigo have the widest nationwide coverage, making them a good choice if you're looking for a reliable connection across the country.

Here's a list of the major mobile network operators in Tanzania:

Zantel's coverage is mainly on Zanzibar island, so if you're planning to visit or live there, Zantel might be a good option.

If you're visiting Tanzania, you'll want a reliable mobile operator that can keep up with your travel plans. The good news is that Tanzania has several top-notch mobile operators to choose from.

Vodacom is the best choice for visiting tourists, offering the widest nationwide 4G coverage and speeds of up to 70 Mbps.

Tigo is another strong contender, with extensive 4G coverage and speeds of up to 95 Mbps. However, its call quality can be affected by congestion.

Airtel and Halotel also have their own strengths and weaknesses. Airtel offers decent call quality, but its countrywide 4G coverage is lower compared to Vodacom and Tigo. Halotel has limited 4G coverage in some rural areas, but its call quality is less congested than the other operators.

Here's a quick comparison of the top operators:

Tanzania's mobile internet penetration has nearly quadrupled from 2010 to 2018, to reach 18.5%, with more than eight million new mobile internet subscribers added over that period.

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The most common broadband service in Tanzania is given through 2G connections, which offers a speed of up to 0.3 Mbps and is used by 90% of the mobile subscribers in Tanzania.

2G connections offer a relatively slow speed of up to 0.3 Mbps, but they're still the most widely used service in Tanzania, covering a large portion of the population.

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Tanzania's mobile internet penetration has nearly quadrupled from 2010 to 2018, reaching 18.5%.

The most common broadband service in Tanzania is given through 2G connections, which offers a speed of up to 0.3 Mbps and is used by 90% of the mobile subscribers in Tanzania.

Around a fifth of the country's population, representing 11 million people, are not covered by a mobile broadband network.

Vodacom and Tigo have the widest nationwide coverage in Tanzania, while Zantel's coverage is mainly on Zanzibar island.

At the end of 2018, 3G and 4G networks covered around 61% and 28% of Tanzania's population respectively.

The most common frequency used in Wi-Fi networks is 2.4 GHz, which is also the default frequency used by most routers.

This frequency has a range of up to 150 feet and can penetrate walls and other obstacles.

In contrast, 5 GHz frequencies have a range of up to 70 feet and are better suited for smaller spaces.

Frequencies in the 60 GHz range are used for wireless local area networks (WLANs) and have a range of up to 10 feet.

Some devices, like cordless phones and microwaves, also operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency and can interfere with Wi-Fi signals.

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To buy a SIM card in Tanzania, you can visit operator stores or outlets, supermarkets, or online. You'll need to provide a valid photo ID document, such as a passport or driving license, for activation.

Supermarkets often have dedicated operator shops or counters selling SIM cards from multiple providers. Authorized mobile resellers across Tanzanian cities and towns also sell SIM cards, requiring ID proof. Airports have operator counters or shops for easy SIM card purchase, especially for foreign travelers.

You'll need to register your SIM card through biometric registration, which requires your fingerprints and proof of identity. The number of mobile phone lines you can own is limited to one per network operator, unless permission is received from the regulator TCRA.

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If you're looking to buy a SIM card in Tanzania, you have several options. You can purchase a SIM card from the main operators' retail outlets and service centers in major towns, where you'll need to provide your ID documents.

Many major supermarkets have dedicated operator shops or counters selling SIM cards from multiple providers under one roof. These shops are convenient and often have a wide range of options to choose from.

You can also buy a SIM card online from some operators, who will deliver it to your address after you provide copies of your ID documents. This is a great option if you're short on time or prefer to shop from the comfort of your own home.

In addition to these options, there are authorized mobile resellers across Tanzanian cities and towns who sell SIM cards from different networks. Be sure to provide ID proof when buying from a reseller.

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If you're a foreign traveler, you can also buy a SIM card at the airport after exiting the baggage area. The operator counters or shops are usually located in this area, and you'll need to carry your passport to complete the purchase.

Here are some ways to buy a SIM card in Tanzania:

To complete your purchase, you'll need to provide a valid photo ID document such as a passport, driving license, or national ID card. Activation is quick after providing this documentation, so you can start using your new SIM card right away.

Tanzania plans to launch biometric SIM registration nationwide on 1 May, to improve security in the country.

The new system requires customers to provide their fingerprints, as well as proof of identity like a passport to register their SIM card.

In Tanzania, the number of mobile phone lines an individual can own will be limited to one per network operator.

Unless permission for multiple ownership is received from regulator TCRA, customers won't be able to own more than one SIM card per network operator.

Around 3.7 million SIM cards have already been switched off by the TCRA as part of the biometric SIM registration programme.

The regulator plans to disconnect a further 15.3 million SIM cards following the conclusion of the programme on 20 January 2020.

Data packages are available for purchase, with prices ranging from TSH 500 for 70 MB to TSH 95,000 for 50 GB. The default rate outside of packages is TSH 282 per MB.

To purchase a bundle, type *149*01# and choose from a variety of options. Customers will not be able to purchase multiple bundles, but will be allowed to purchase a second bundle after consuming the volume allocated in the first bundle.

Here's a breakdown of the available bundles:

To check your internet balance, type *149*60#.

Data Feature Packages offer a convenient way to manage your internet usage. The default rate outside of these packages is TSH 282 per MB.

You can purchase bundles called Cheka Internet, which are valid on 2G, 3G, and 4G/LTE networks. To purchase a bundle, simply type *149*01#.

Each bundle has a specific volume and price, ranging from 70 MB to 50 GB. For example, the 1-day bundle offers 70 MB for TSH 500.

Here's a breakdown of the available bundles:

You can also purchase bundles with larger volumes, such as 2 GB for TSH 10,000 or 50 GB for TSH 95,000. However, keep in mind that customers can only purchase one bundle at a time.

If you're looking for affordable data plans with eSIM functionality in Tanzania, you're in luck. eSIM technology allows you to use mobile plans without a physical nano-SIM card.

Vodacom Tanzania does not currently offer eSIM plans for mobile connections, but it does support eSIM for wearables like smartwatches.

Tigo Tanzania also does not offer eSIM for smartphone connections, but its international roaming partners have eSIM, which Tigo subscribers can use while traveling.

Airtel Tanzania has not launched any eSIM offerings for mobiles or smartwatches, and it relies on international roaming partners for eSIM services while traveling.

Halotel and TTCL Mobile, the state-owned operator, do not have eSIM capability for mobiles and instead rely solely on traditional physical SIM cards.

Here's a quick rundown of the eSIM status for each major mobile operator in Tanzania:

In Tanzania, Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are playing a crucial role in connecting rural areas. AMOTEL was the first licensed in 2015 and partners with TTCL to reach more customers without building towers.

Tanzania's sole MVNO, AMOTEL, uses an innovative public-private model to bridge the digital divide. This model helps AMOTEL provide coverage to areas that might not have been reached otherwise.

Here's a snapshot of some of the carriers in Tanzania, showing the number of frequency bands they use:

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) are a great way to connect rural areas. In Tanzania, AMOTEL was the first licensed MVNO in 2015.

They partner with TTCL, using their network to reach more customers without building towers. This innovative public-private model helps bridge the digital divide in Tanzania as its sole MVNO.

MVNOs offer a cost-effective way to expand mobile coverage. This is especially useful for areas where building traditional towers might be too expensive or impractical.

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Let's talk about carriers. Airtel is using 3 frequency bands, which is fewer than some of the other carriers.

Smile, Tigo, and Vodacom are all using 4 frequency bands each. This is a notable difference from Airtel's 3 bands.

Here's a quick rundown of the carriers mentioned: