THE telecommunications and digital communications sector has recorded strong growth in mobile subscriptions, internet usage and network infrastructure, according to the latest communications statistics report.

The report, released by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), indicates that total telecommunications subscriptions increased by 7.7 per cent, rising from 99.3 million in September 2025 to 106.9 million by December 2025.

The growth reflects sustained demand for mobile services, expanding digital connectivity, and continued investment in network infrastructure.

Dar es Salaam remained the country’s largest telecommunications market, with 19.68 million active subscriptions, followed by Mwanza at 7.09 million, Arusha with 6.44 million, Mbeya with 6.15 million, and Dodoma with 5.71 million subscriptions.

Internet usage also recorded steady gains during the quarter. Total internet subscriptions grew by 3.2 per cent, increasing from 56.3 million to 58.1 million, while overall data traffic rose by 9.5 per cent, from 738 petabytes to 808 petabytes.

Mobile broadband continued to dominate, accounting for 56 per cent of all internet subscriptions.

Despite the overall expansion, usage patterns showed notable shifts. Local voice traffic declined marginally by 0.3 per cent, while local SMS traffic increased by 9.2 per cent, pointing to changing consumer behaviour and the growing influence of data-based communication platforms.

Device penetration also improved during the period. Smartphone penetration rose to 41.82 per cent, while feature phone penetration reached 87.11 per cent, underscoring both the increasing adoption of smart devices and the continued importance of basic handsets, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.

Growth in the sector was supported by continued infrastructure development. The number of telecom towers increased from 9,745 to 10,029, while 5G population coverage expanded from 28.9 per cent to 30.1 per cent, reflecting steady progress in next-generation network rollout.

In the broadcasting sector, the report recorded mixed performance. The number of active decoders declined by 8.5 per cent, from 2.3 million to 2.1 million, while cable television subscriptions increased by 2 per cent to 17,280, reflecting shifting consumer preferences amid growing competition from online streaming services.

Postal and courier services continued to play a vital role in communication and commerce. During the quarter, the sector serviced about 158,073 letter boxes and private bags and supported 72,491 corporate and individual domestic customers. A total of 554,261 items were posted domestically and 30,065 internationally, while 814,062 items were delivered within the country and 46,362 abroad.

The report also provides updates on key sector indicators, including tariffs, quality of service, mobile money activity, fraudulent attempts, telecom tower distribution, radio base stations, domain names, and licensing, monitored on both monthly and quarterly bases.