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| President of the United Republic of Tanzania H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan presents an appreciation award to Pierre Canton Bacara, Chief Executive Officer of Yas Tanzania and Chairman of the Consortium of Telco Operators, during the handover ceremony marking the completion of communication towers and the national fibre optic backbone infrastructure at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre in Dodoma. |
The Consortium of Telco Operators has officially completed the construction of 758 communication towers and handed over more than 1,100 kilometres of national fibre optic infrastructure to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, marking a key milestone in the country’s digital infrastructure expansion programme.
The handover ceremony, held at the Jakaya Kikwete Convention Centre, was presided over by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The infrastructure was developed under a long-term public-private partnership between the Government and telecom operators, aimed at accelerating broadband rollout and strengthening the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB).
According to the consortium, the network includes fibre optic backbone routes along the Dodoma–Mwanza, Morogoro–Ifakara, and Moshi–Rombo corridors, covering approximately 1,193 kilometres. It also includes metro fibre infrastructure across major urban centres, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza, Tanga, Moshi, Morogoro, Dodoma, Tabora, Shinyanga, Biharamulo, Makambako, and Musoma. Additional segments remain under construction and will be handed over upon completion.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan commended the consortium for its contribution to advancing national digital access and strengthening Tanzania’s economic competitiveness through improved connectivity infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the consortium, Chairman Pierre Canton Bacara said the project reflects the value of sustained collaboration between the government and the private sector in delivering national broadband objectives.
He added that the infrastructure will enhance access to public services and support growth across key sectors, including financial services, e-commerce, health, and education, through expanded digital connectivity.
Yas Tanzania said it played a central operational role within the consortium, supporting construction and network rollout under the programme.
The company accounted for approximately 33% of the total sites delivered (261 sites) and has upgraded its entire 2G footprint to 4G as part of its network modernisation programme.
Yas Tanzania also noted that it has invested more than TZS 1 trillion in network infrastructure and now operates one of the country’s widest 4G and 5G networks, covering more than 95% of the population.
The company reaffirmed its strategy of expanding inclusive connectivity beyond major urban centres to underserved and rural communities.
“As Tanzania advances toward becoming a regional digital hub, sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors will remain essential to accelerating transformation,” the consortium chairman said.
The consortium further noted that continued policy support, including review of broadband capacity charges, would enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness as a regional connectivity hub and support increased data traffic through the country.
The infrastructure handover, covering both the completed communication towers and the national fibre optic backbone, forms part of Tanzania’s broader digital transformation agenda under Agenda 2050, aimed at expanding access to affordable, reliable, and resilient connectivity nationwide.
