Tanzania telecom sector at inflexion point

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S telecommunications sector is entering a decisive phase, one that will shape how individuals, businesses and institutions connect, transact and participate in the digital economy.

For years, much of Africa, including Tanzania, has relied on circuit-switched networks such as 2G and 3G for voice services, even as data traffic migrated to 4G.

The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) has been a strong advocate for the adoption of Voice over Long-Term Evolution (VoLTE) highlighting it as a key step in the evolution toward fully data-driven mobile networks.

According to GSMA, VoLTE improves spectrum efficiency, enhances voice quality and enables operators to deliver seamless services over 4G and 5G networks. It also supports the broader transition from legacy circuit switched systems to all-IP networks, paving the way for innovations such as rich communication services (RCS) and advanced digital applications.

Airtel Tanzania Managing Director, Mr Charles Kamoto said the hybrid model created inefficiencies by limiting users’ ability to access highspeed data during calls, reducing voice quality and increasing operational complexity for network providers.

He noted that the introduction of VoLTE helps address these constraints, marking a shift from legacy systems to a more advanced, data-driven communications ecosystem.

“This is not merely a technical upgrade; it represents a structural shift in how networks are designed, how services are delivered and how users experience connectivity,” he stated.

Recently, Airtel Tanzania launched its ‘VoLTE Bila Chenga’ service, enabling customers to make high-definition voice calls over 4G and 5G networks without reverting to older technologies.

This enables simultaneous voice communication and high-speed data usage an essential feature in an increasingly mobile-first economy.

In practical terms, this means faster call set-up times, clearer voice quality and uninterrupted access to digital services such as mobile banking, e-learning, e-commerce and streaming.

Importantly, the service is accessible to customers at no additional cost, provided they are using compatible 4G or 5Genabled devices. This lowers barriers to adoption and supports broader digital inclusion.

The move comes at a time when Tanzania’s telecoms sector is demonstrating strong performance.

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), mobile network operators recorded efficiency levels exceeding 90 per cent in key performance indicators in 2025, including SMS delivery, call set-up times and overall voice quality.

For the telecom sector in general, this level of efficiency signals a maturing and reliable industry, capable of supporting advanced services like VoLTE, 4G/5G data and digital applications.

High network performance boosts customer confidence attracts investment and positions Tanzania as a competitive player in the regional and frontier market telecom landscape.

However, maintaining and improving these standards requires continuous investment in next-generation technologies and VoLTE is a critical part of that evolution.

Globally, VoLTE has already gained significant traction. Nearly 300 commercial VoLTE networks are operational across more than 120 markets, connecting billions of users.

This widespread adoption underscores a broader industry shift towards all-IP networks, where voice, data and multimedia services are integrated on a single platform.

In Africa, early adopters have demonstrated the transformative potential of this technology, with rapid uptake driven by improved user experience and growing demand for seamless connectivity.

For Tanzania, the implications are both immediate and long-term.

First, VoLTE enables operators to gradually phase out legacy networks, freeing up valuable spectrum that can be reallocated to enhance data services.

This process known as spectrum refarming strengthens network capacity and prepares the sector for future technologies.

Second, it enhances service quality and reliability. As mobile devices become central to everyday life, the ability to access the internet while on a call is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

Whether for business transactions, accessing health services or participating in online education, uninterrupted connectivity improves productivity and efficiency.

Third, VoLTE strengthens competition within the sector. Operators that invest in high-quality, integrated communication services are better positioned to meet evolving customer expectations. This, in turn, drives innovation and raises the overall standard of service delivery.

Tanzania’s digital infrastructure has expanded significantly in recent years, with 4G coverage now widespread and 5G networks being rolled out in selected areas.

These developments are aligned with national ambitions, including the long-term vision outlined in Dira 2050, which seeks to harness technology as a driver of economic growth.

The expansion of digital infrastructure not only improves connectivity for individuals but also strengthens the business environment, enabling companies to adopt advanced technologies, offer innovative services and reach new markets.

By enhancing network capacity and reliability, Tanzania is laying the foundation for a more competitive, digitally enabled economy.

Yet infrastructure alone is not sufficient. The pace of digital transformation will also depend on the affordability of compatible devices and the policy environment governing the sector.

Measures that reduce the cost of smartphones and facilitate faster deployment of network infrastructure can accelerate adoption and maximise the benefits of new technologies.

Equally important is building digital literacy and fostering local innovation. Ensuring that citizens and businesses can effectively use new technologies will amplify the impact of expanded networks, enabling more inclusive access to digital services and driving sustainable growth across the economy.

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VoLTE’s full potential will only be realised if both supply and demand-side conditions are addressed operators must continue to invest, while consumers must have access to the tools needed to participate in the digital economy.

For many users, VoLTE may not appear as a distinct product. However, its impact is far-reaching. It enhances call quality, improves user experience and lays the foundation for advanced services such as video calling over LTE and other IP-based applications.

More importantly, it positions Tanzania to compete in an increasingly digital global economy.

For Airtel Tanzania, the rollout of VoLTE is not just about upgrading networks. It is about enabling a future where connectivity drives inclusion, supports innovation and creates new economic opportunities.

As the country continues its transition, the shift to technologies such as VoLTE, marks a turning point one that moves the sector from incremental improvement to systemic transformation.

This transformation is expected to unlock new opportunities for both consumers and businesses.

Improved voice and data services will enable richer digital experiences, support innovation in sectors like finance, e-commerce and education and attract further investment, positioning telecom industry as a key driver of economic growth and connectivity.