Airtel expands network coverage with five new towers

SIMIYU: Airtel Tanzania has launched five new communication towers across Mkuranga, Kilimanjaro, Dodoma, Karatu, and Simiyu, signalling an accelerated push to deepen network coverage and narrow the connectivity gap between urban and rural communities an expansion that aligns with rising data demand and the country’s broader digital inclusion agenda.

Speaking at separate events, regional managers from the respective areas underscored the importance of improved connectivity for local communities.

Dodoma Regional Manager Mr Salum Ngururu said Airtel’s decision to expand coverage reflects the company’s recognition of communication as a vital social and economic enabler.

“We all recognise the importance of communication in our society. That is why Airtel has expanded its network to reach our brothers and sisters here in Kizota, Dodoma. This tower will make it easier to access Airtel services, including voice calls, mobile money transactions, and high-speed 4G and 5G internet,” he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, Mkuranga–Kimanzichana Regional Manager Mr Lusajo Mwakapeje said residents had long struggled to stay connected due to weak or non-existent network coverage, particularly in lowland villages. He noted that the new tower would significantly improve communication and access to digital services, and expressed his appreciation to Airtel for investing in the community.

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Meanwhile, Airtel Karatu Regional Manager Mr Kephar Kileo told residents that rising demand for communication—driven largely by digital transformation—has prompted the company to expand network coverage into areas previously lacking communication infrastructure, such as Karatu.

“These communication towers will open up opportunities for youth, women, and all participants in the business value chain,” he said, noting that the regions covered are key centres for livestock keeping and agriculture. Improved connectivity, he added, is essential for linking producers to buyers and markets, thereby unlocking new cycles of trade and production.

Similarly, Simiyu Regional Manager Mr Fernand Doya, whose region saw the launch of two towers in Masewa, Bariadi District, and Kilalo, Simiyu, said Airtel remains committed to extending connectivity to even the most hard-to-reach areas.

“We are committed to building more towers so that digital growth leaves no one behind. This season alone, we plan to launch about 200 towers across wards in every region of the country, bringing our services closer to customers,” he said.

The launches were accompanied by a special three-day promotional offer for residents in the covered areas, during which Airtel provided 50 minutes of calls to all networks, 500MB of internet data, and 50 SMSs as a token of appreciation to the communities.