TTCL to extend fiber cable to DRC, Kenya

ARUSHA: TTCL Corporation is finalising plans to extend its national fiber optic cable to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Kenya.

The country leading data provider expects to link DRC with fiber cable via Lake Tanganyika to the port city of Kalemie by the end of this year.

TTCL also said is planning to start laying the cable to Mombasa, Kenya in the near future, aiming to connect Eastern and Southern African countries with highspeed internet and data connections.

TTCL Corporation’s Director General, Mr. Moremi Marwa, unveiled these plans in Arusha city yesterday during the opening of the Connect to Connect (C2C) Summit.

“We are not only fostering nationwide connectivity but also creating a digital bridge that links the region to the global economy,” Mr Marwa said in his opening speech.

The summit which brought ICT players and policymakers from different Sub-Saharan countries focused on highlighting and strengthening the value of collaborative partnerships in driving regional connectivity in East and Southern Africa.

“TTCL has been at the forefront of revolutionising digital connectivity across Tanzania, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) through the National Information Communication Technology Broadband Backbone (NICTBB),” he said.

The expansion will not only deepen ties within EAC and SADC member states but also ensures their connection to the global digital landscape.

TTCL plans to roll out new routes, such as the Horohoro-Tanga to Mombasa connection, which will grant Tanzania access to eight international submarine cables, enhancing network resilience.

Regarding domestic access to the broadband, Mr. Marwa highlighted TTCL’s ongoing efforts to strengthen connectivity through its fiber-optic broadband network.

Coverage has expanded to over 100 out of 139 districts in the country, demonstrating the corporation’s unwavering commitment to enhancing ICT infrastructure and ensuring that no district is left behind.

“Our investment in cutting-edge technology not only meets the diverse needs of businesses and individuals but also positions us as a leader in digital transformation.

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“Securing broadband and fiber-optic infrastructure continues to lay the groundwork for a vibrant, interconnected and thriving digital economy in Tanzania and beyond,” Mr. Marwa said.

The event was graced by the Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Mr. Jerry Silaa who said they consider the ICT sector as essential to transforming the country into a digital economy.

Mr Silaa add that to ensure safety perusal on the internet and safer embracing of the blue economy, the country has a number of legal and regulatory framework to guide the sector.

More than 100 companies from different countries have taken part in a C2C Summit where 10 of them are from African countries while five others are from outside the continent.