TZ records growth in internet subscriptions

TANZANIA: AS the country makes progress towards achieving its digital transformation goals, internet subscriptions have been increasing at an average of 9.8 per cent in annual growth rate in the past five years.

According to Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) communications statistics quarterly report ending June 2024, internet subscriptions rose from 25.8 million in 2019 to 35.9 million in 2023.

The subscription to mobile and fixed internet as the primary means of internet access is defined as the total number of lines, including SIM cards and fixed lines, that have accessed and used internet services in the last three months, regardless of the technology used.

The internet service can be subscribed to various technologies including Fiber to the X (FTTX), General packet radio service (GPRS), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G) and fifth generation (5G) among others.

In monthly internet subscriptions for the quarter ending June this year, there was an increase of 7 per cent in subscriptions from 36.8million as of March 2024 to 39.3 million as of June 2024.

The statistics show that mobile wireless is the most preferred compared to other internet services. As of June 2024, it comprises 99.6 per cent of all subscriptions.

Mobile broadband is the most popular means of accessing internet, with 39,311,477 subscriptions while 2G technology still holds significant usage with 17,740,031 subscriptions.

However, Fibre technologies like Fiber to the Home (FTTH) and Fiber to the Office (FTTO) have fewer subscriptions, at 50,398 and 5,732 respectively.

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Investment in the telecommunication infrastructure has increased the rollout of mobile broadband network coverage and speed, where 89 per cent of the population is covered by a mobile broadband network signal 3G, 4G or higher.

On Monday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched the Digital Economy Strategic Framework 2024-2034 during the 15th Tanzania National Business Council (TNBC) meeting held at the Dar es Salaam State House.

President Samia said that it was high time the country focuses on training in the successful implementation of the framework.

“The framework has been launched, but now it requires training,” she said, adding; “Let’s proceed with training in the six key areas outlined.

We will begin training at the workplace level and also initiate training from the grassroots, so that students graduating in the future are already familiar with these systems, making it easier to implement this plan.”

The framework encompasses pivotal elements aimed at driving growth and inclusivity. It includes expanding broadband access and improving network quality under the Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity pillar.

The framework focuses on several key pillars to drive growth and inclusion, which are digital Infrastructure and Connectivity focusing on expanding broadband access and improving network quality to ensure reliable connectivity.

A significant element of the strategy is the Tanzania Technology Stack, which includes the Jamii Number System, for managing comprehensive data related to services such as education, health and financial transactions.

The Community Payment System will facilitate digital financial transactions and reduce the dependency on cash, while the Community Data Sharing System will improve data exchange across various sectors.