Vodacom launched its non-standalone commercial 5G network in Tanzania, delivering higher download speeds and enabling new technologies such as IoT in the country.
In a statement, Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub said: “Having been first to launch 5G in Africa, this is an exciting milestone in Vodacom’s history as we continue to densify 5G services across our Africa markets, bringing the continent closer to the global digital economy through the latest generation of mobile technology. Congratulations to the Tanzanian team for bringing us one step closer to an inclusive, fully digitised future for all Africans.”
Vodacom detailed that it will deploy in various sites in the financial city of Dar es Salaam with the target to expand 5G technology to 230 locations in Tanzania including Arusha, Dodoma, Mwanza, Iringa, Kagera, Zanzibar, Mbeya to name a few.
The 5G network can also be tapped into by fixed network customers through 5G routers, as well as 5G capable smartphones to deliver speeds up to 400Mbps. The company plans to launch plans with up to 800Mbps over the coming months, and eventually offer speeds of 1Gbps once 5G spectrum is made fully available.
Member of parliament and Minister for Communication and Information Technology Nape Nnauye appeared in a hologram at Vodacom’s launch event.
Nnauye said at the event: “I congratulate Vodacom for paving the way for digital transformation in Tanzania, and the government fully supports this breakthrough through its various sector ministries because we know technology has the power to transform lives and help the country achieve SDG targets in areas such as health, agriculture, energy, logistics and many more.
"I call on entrepreneurs, businesses, innovators, and ministries to tap into this 5G network and transform this nation. The government pledges its support to you.”
