Airtel Tanzania commissions new grid-powered 4G towers in Geita and Dodoma for mobile and internet services

DAR ES SALAAM: 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 underserved communities while strengthening efforts to build a more sustainable telecommunications network.

The new sites, located in Nyaruyeye Ward in Geita District and Chinagali Village in Zoissa Ward, Kongwa District, are expected to improve access to voice communication, internet connectivity and mobile money services for communities that have long experienced network challenges.

Unlike many remote telecommunications facilities that rely on diesel-powered generators, the two Airtel sites are connected to the national electricity grid and supported by backup generators, a move expected to improve network reliability while reducing fuel consumption and operational emissions.

In Geita Region, more than 15,000 residents in Nyaruyeye Ward and neighbouring Nyarugusu Ward are set to benefit from improved network coverage.

Speaking during the launch, Airtel Geita Regional Manager Joseph Mushi said the company decided to invest in the infrastructure after receiving repeated complaints from residents and conducting assessments that revealed significant connectivity gaps in the area.

“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 Mushi.

Nyaruyeye Ward Executive Officer Shedrack Robert welcomed the development, noting that inadequate connectivity had hindered development initiatives and limited access to information and digital 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.

In Dodoma Region, residents of Chinagali Village in Zoissa Ward, Kongwa District, are also expected to benefit from improved communication services following the launch of Airtel’s new 4G site.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Zoissa Ward Executive Officer Godfrey Francis Ludege said enhanced connectivity would boost communication and economic activities in the area, where agriculture and livestock keeping remain the main sources of livelihood.

Airtel Central Zone Regional Manager Gibson Fwankiye said the project forms part of the company’s broader strategy to expand quality telecommunications services to rural communities across the country.

“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.

The new infrastructure is also expected to strengthen financial inclusion, support entrepreneurship and improve access to digital services. Farmers, traders and small business owners will be better positioned to access market information, communicate with customers and utilize digital financial platforms, helping to drive economic development in the two regions.