Project set to transform communication sector

DAR ES SALAAM: IN today’s world, driven by rapid digital advancements, no nation can achieve meaningful social and economic development without having strong communication systems.

This was stated on Monday by the Director of Administration and Human Resource Management Department in the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Ms Salome Kessy, at the launch of the In-Country Training for Experts overseeing the implementation of the Rural Communication Project (Tanzania Mobile Network for Rural Coverage Project – TMN4RCP).

Ms Kessy said the government, through the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, is committed to ensuring that every Tanzanian, whether in urban or rural areas, has access to quality and reliable mobile communication and radio broadcasting services.

“The rural communication project is part of the implementation of this commitment. The main goal is to extend communication services, including mobile phones, internet and radio broadcasting through TBC to rural areas that are either not yet reached or are still receiving poor mobile communication,” she said.

By doing so, she added, citizens will be empowered to fully participate in social, economic, educational and administrative activities.

ALSO READ: Use upgraded e-Ardhi land system, citizens tipped

She said the project will support the management and improvement of rural mobile networks using 2G and 4G technology, provide an in-depth understanding of modern communication technologies (LTE interface, signalling, system integration), operation and maintenance of core communication infrastructure (Core Network), capacity to handle technical challenges related to mobile payments, voice and internet services in rural areas and enhance professional expertise in managing ICT projects related to rural communication.

“Our goal is to have competent professionals with the capability to manage rural communication projects with high efficiency and professionalism,” she stressed.

She thanked TTCL, TBC and UCSAF for their significant contributions to the implementation of the project, noting that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensuring all Tanzanians benefit from the digital revolution.

Presenting an overview of the project, TTCL’s Radio Planning and Optimisation Kelvin Mwakaleke, said the Rural Communication Infrastructure Project involves the construction of 636 towers, including 621 mobile communication towers and 15 radio broadcast towers.

He said on October 23, 2023, the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology signed a Commercial Contract with the China National Technical Import and Export Corporation (CNTIC) for the implementation of the 24-month project.

“The project duration is 24 months, running from December 9, 2024, to December 8, 2026, at a total cost of 108.57 million US dollars (about 265.88bn/-) financed through a concessional loan from the ExportImport Bank (Exim Bank) of China,” he said.

Mr Mwakaleke said that as of September 29, 2025, the project has reached 56 per cent completion, with several activities already accomplished, including feasibility studies and designs for 467 out of 621 mobile towers.

Construction of mobile towers (both passive and active components), he noted, has been completed in 261 locations, of which 130 towers are already operational.

He said construction of 15 radio towers is ongoing and is expected to be completed by October 30, 2025, while installation of core communication infrastructure (Core Network/ Data Centre) at TTCL Dar es Salaam and TTCL Dodoma sites has reached 90 per cent completion.

“Clearing and logistics for project equipment is ongoing, with 65 per cent of the process completed, while a business model for the operation of the newly constructed infrastructure has been developed,” he said.

He explained that the contract between the Ministry and the contractor includes training for all experts involved in managing and operating the project at all levels, with sessions being conducted both locally and internationally.