Communication services affordable, Bunge told
DODOMA: THE government has reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitor market trends and take appropriate policy and legal measures to ensure citizens continue to access quality communication services at affordable costs.
Speaking in the National Assembly in Dodoma on Tuesday, Deputy Minister for Communications and Information Technology Dr Switbert Mkama said the government is also keen to ensure the communications sector makes a strong contribution to the growth of the country’s digital economy.
Dr Mkama was responding to a question from Momba MP Ms Condester Sichalwe (CCM), who sought clarification on the government’s plans to reduce the cost of data bundles across all telecommunications companies.
The deputy minister said the government recognises the importance of affordable communication services in driving social and economic development.
He explained that the ministry, working closely with its agencies—the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF) and the Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL)—has continued to implement various measures to make phone, internet and data services more accessible to citizens.
Among the measures, he said, is the regulation of fair competition among telecom operators to stimulate innovation and encourage the provision of affordable data bundles that reflect the financial capacity of users.
The government is also reviewing fees and charges to ensure levies are aligned with the actual cost of services while safeguarding consumers.
“We are promoting shared use of infrastructure to reduce operational costs, alongside continued investment in communication infrastructure, including the National Communication Backbone, construction of communication towers in rural and commercially nonviable areas, and the development of data storage centres,” Dr Mkama said.
He noted that these initiatives contribute to lowering service costs, particularly for fibreoptic internet connections in homes and offices.
In a supplementary question, Ms Sichalwe said the goal of building a digital economy would be difficult to achieve if internet access remains limited, especially for young people who rely heavily on digital services. She urged the government to engage more closely with telecommunications companies to further reduce the cost of data bundles and improve accessibility.
Responding, Dr Mkama said the government would consult with the ministry responsible for youth development to explore practical solutions. He added that Tanzania already ranks among countries with relatively low data and internet costs, and assured MPs that further measures would continue to be implemented to enhance access nationwide.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly Mr Musa Azan Zungu observed that although Tanzania has higher internet penetration compared to some neighbouring countries, those countries generate higher revenues due to more efficient systems. He urged the government to address the issue to maximise the sector’s contribution to national development.
