Airtel Tanzania has commissioned two new grid-powered 4G telecommunications towers in Geita and Dodoma regions, extending mobile and internet services to thousands of residents in previously underserved communities while advancing efforts to build a more sustainable telecommunications network.
The newly launched sites in Nyaruyeye Ward in Geita District and Chinagali Village in Zoissa Ward, Kongwa District, are expected to improve access to voice services, internet connectivity and mobile money platforms for communities that have faced network challenges for years.
Unlike many remote telecommunications sites that depend heavily on diesel generators, both Airtel towers are connected to the national electricity grid and equipped with backup generators, helping to improve network reliability while reducing fuel consumption and operational emissions.
In Nyaruyeye Ward, more than 15,000 residents, including communities in neighbouring Nyarugusu Ward, are expected to benefit from improved network coverage.
Airtel Geita Regional Manager Joseph Mushi said the company invested in the new site after receiving repeated concerns from residents and conducting assessments that identified significant connectivity gaps.
“The community consistently raised concerns about poor network coverage. After conducting our assessment, we identified the need to invest in infrastructure that would support communication, financial inclusion and access to digital opportunities,” said Mr Mushi.
Nyaruyeye Ward Executive Officer Shedrack Robert said inadequate connectivity had slowed development efforts and limited access to information and online services.
“Internet and communication services are increasingly important for education, business and public service delivery. The new tower will help improve access to information and strengthen community engagement,” he said.
Meanwhile, residents of Chinagali Village in Zoissa Ward, Kongwa District, are expected to benefit from improved communication services following the commissioning of Airtel’s new 4G site.
Speaking during the launch, Zoissa Ward Executive Officer Godfrey Francis Ludege said enhanced connectivity would support communication and economic activities in a community where agriculture and livestock keeping are the primary sources of livelihood.
Airtel Central Zone Regional Manager Gibson Fwankiye said the project forms part of Airtel’s ongoing commitment to extending quality telecommunications services to rural communities.
“Reliable communication infrastructure is increasingly becoming a critical enabler of economic growth. Our goal is to ensure that rural communities have access to the same digital opportunities available in urban areas,” he said.
Beyond improving network coverage, the new infrastructures are strengthening financial inclusion, support entrepreneurship and improve access to digital services. Farmers, traders and small businesses will be better positioned to access market information, communicate with customers and utilize digital financial platforms.
