Thousands of residents in Dodoma, Manyara and Tanga regions are gaining access to faster internet, mobile financial services and improved communication following Airtel Tanzania’s expansion of its 4G and 5G network into previously underserved communities.
The telecommunications company has commissioned new network sites in Hombolo Makulu in Dodoma Region, Katesh in Manyara Region and Duga Maforoni in Mkinga District, Tanga Region, extending broadband connectivity to farming, livestock-keeping, fishing and cross-border trading communities.
The investment is expected to improve access to digital services, support small businesses and strengthen financial inclusion through mobile money platforms.
In Hombolo Makulu, a village with more than 10,800 residents according to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, limited network coverage had long affected communication, internet access and mobile money transactions.
Village Chairperson Amos Paulo Chiboni said the new network infrastructure has significantly improved connectivity.
"When Airtel switched on the new tower, I immediately bought and registered an Airtel SIM card. Now I enjoy fast internet and reliable communication," he said.
Mr Chiboni noted that many residents have adopted Airtel services due to affordable voice and data packages, improved network quality and the availability of Airtel Money services.
He added that stronger connectivity would help farmers and livestock keepers communicate with buyers and suppliers more efficiently while facilitating digital payments and online business transactions.
"Reliable communication and mobile money services make business easier and faster. We hope Airtel will continue expanding coverage to nearby areas that still experience weak signals," he said.
For local food vendor Hawa Lugano, improved connectivity has already translated into business growth.
She said poor internet services previously prevented her from receiving customer orders through WhatsApp in real time, resulting in lost sales opportunities.
"Sometimes customers would send orders, but I would not receive their messages because of poor connectivity. Now communication is much easier, and I can respond quickly and serve more customers," she said.
Ms Lugano has also started using Airtel Money’s Timiza digital microloan service to support her business operations.
"I started with a TZS 5,000 Airtel Timiza loan, and after repayment my borrowing limit will increase. The service is simple because it does not require collateral or guarantors, and the money reaches your account within minutes," she said.
The Hombolo Makulu site is powered by grid electricity with diesel backup, helping improve network reliability and capacity in the area.
In Manyara Region, Airtel has commissioned another 4G site in Katesh, serving approximately 6,000 residents.
The tower is powered by both solar energy and the national electricity grid, providing improved connectivity for agricultural and pastoral communities.
Airtel Tanzania Zonal Business Manager Bartholomew Masatu said the expansion is creating new economic opportunities beyond basic communication.
"Improved network coverage is doing more than connecting people. It is creating opportunities for entrepreneurship through Airtel Money services, SIM card registration businesses, airtime sales and access to a wider range of digital services," he said.
In Tanga Region, Airtel has also activated a 4G tower in Duga Maforoni, a border community in Mkinga District near Kenya.
The site serves fishing communities, traders and cross-border travellers who rely on reliable communication and digital financial services for their daily activities.
Airtel Tanzania Zonal Business Manager Nassor Laizer said the investment is supporting economic activity in the area.
"Fishing and cross-border trade are the main economic activities here. Reliable connectivity enables people to communicate efficiently, access online services and use mobile financial platforms to support their businesses," he said.
The latest rollout forms part of Airtel Tanzania’s broader strategy to expand digital infrastructure across the country, with a focus on connecting rural and underserved communities to the growing digital economy.
As mobile connectivity becomes increasingly important for commerce, education and financial inclusion, improved network access is expected to create new opportunities for households and businesses across the three regions.
