A TOTAL of 106 districts in the country have been connected to the national fibre-optic communication network, according to the Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited (TTCL).

Known as ‘National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB)’, the network has linked many areas with a few districts that are yet to be connected.

TTCL director of technical and development Cecil Francis said this here recently at the Connect 2 Connect conference, adding that the government aims to expand the service to every district to ensure seamless integration of even the most remote areas into the digital age.

The event, opened by Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology Jerry Silaa, brought together stakeholders from the communication sector from Tanzania and abroad.

Francis said that for the remaining 33 districts, the government has allocated funds in the 2024/2025 financial year to complete the project to ensure comprehensive connectivity and improved service delivery across the country.

He explained that the NICTBB serves as the primary link for voice and internet communications, connecting to undersea cables that bring internet access to Tanzania.

“Our national fibre-optic network is essential for voice and internet communications. It also connects to undersea cables, linking us with neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia and Malawi. We have also established connections to Mozambique and are beginning to extend our reach to the Democratic Republic of Congo via Lake Tanganyika,” he said.

He noted that TTCL strives to enhance fibre-optic connections, including links to undersea stations in Mombasa, Kenya.

“Our major responsibility is to enhance communications infrastructure through our fibre-optic network to ensure high-quality services reach every location and help reduce costs for citizens,” he said.

Through the fibre-optic network, TTCL has connected various regions and districts, fulfilling its mandate as a government entity tasked with providing communication services nationwide.

Gwakisa Stadi, Helios Towers chief executive officer, said that the company operates over 400 towers in the country, serving more than 10,000 customers.

He explained that the towers are crucial for providing communication services, with major clients including telecommunications companies, internet service providers and television companies that have installed their equipment on the towers.