Residents of Mungushi Village in Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region, have finally overcome long-standing mobile communication challenges following the official launch of a new Airtel 4G telecommunications tower, a development expected to unlock wide-ranging socio-economic opportunities.
The new infrastructure, rolled out by Airtel
Tanzania, is set to significantly improve high-speed mobile internet and voice
coverage across Mungushi and surrounding areas including Gezaulole, Bomani,
Mboni and Uzunguni, enhancing access to digital services, communication, and
mobile financial transactions.
Speaking during the inauguration, Mungushi
Village Chairman Lameck Simbo said residents had for years struggled with
unreliable network connectivity, which affected communication and access to
mobile money services.
He noted that the introduction of a 4G network
would now strengthen economic activity in the area, particularly in
agriculture, livestock keeping, trade, and tourism-related enterprises around
the Mount Kilimanjaro conservation zones and neighbouring districts.
“Previously, we faced communication challenges
in our village, especially in areas such as Matnonda, but Airtel has greatly
improved the situation. Compared to some other networks that still experience
difficulties, Airtel services here have become very reliable,” Simbo said.
He added that improved communication
infrastructure plays a critical role in today’s global economy, where
businesses depend on fast and stable connectivity.
“Every business depends on communication. When
communication improves, it also boosts the economy because people are able to
work more efficiently and access services easily,” he said, expressing
gratitude on behalf of residents.
Simbo further commended Airtel for supporting
national development efforts under the Government of Tanzania led by President
Samia Suluhu Hassan, noting that improved digital access aligns with broader
economic growth goals.
Airtel Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Zonal Business
Manager, Faustin Mtui, said the company’s investment in rural 4G connectivity
is aimed at bridging the digital divide and unlocking new opportunities for
residents.
“Today we are pleased to officially launch
improved Airtel 4G services in this area. The new tower will serve Mfungushi,
Gezaulole, Bomani, Mboni and Uzunguni,” Mtui said.
He emphasized that enhanced 4G connectivity
will improve communication quality, business operations, and access to digital
platforms, including mobile financial services.
Mtui also encouraged residents, particularly
young people, to take advantage of opportunities created by improved internet
access.
“This is a chance for youth to create
employment for themselves. Those who have completed primary school, secondary
school, and higher education can engage in Airtel Money agency services, SIM
registration, sale of internet bundles, routers and other communication-related
business opportunities,” he said.
He noted that while unemployment remains a
challenge nationally, investments in 4G infrastructure are creating practical
income-generating opportunities at the local level.
“We urge you to use these services well, share
these opportunities with others, and actively participate in the development
brought by communication services in your area,” Mtui added.
Residents who have begun benefiting from the
improved network expressed relief and appreciation, citing a major
transformation in daily life and economic activity.
Kophi Mbude, a resident of Mungushi, said the
area previously suffered severe communication limitations, forcing residents to
travel long distances in search of network access and mobile financial
services.
“We are truly grateful for the launch of this
new Airtel 4G network tower. Before this service was introduced, communication
was a major challenge. People had to travel long distances to access network
services and mobile money,” he said.
He added that the introduction of reliable
Airtel 4G services has already improved financial inclusion, with residents now
able to conduct mobile money transactions and business activities more
efficiently.
“This development will help citizens in many
ways, especially in conducting daily business and accessing financial services.
It has reduced many of the difficulties we previously faced,” he said.
The new 4G infrastructure is expected to
accelerate digital inclusion, strengthen local businesses, and enhance economic
resilience in communities surrounding the Mount Kilimanjaro region.
