- History made as internet services officially launched at Uhuru Peak
THE government has finally launched high-speed internet services on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology Nape Nnauye launched the internet service yesterday at the 5,895 metres highest peak.
The historic move means the hikers will now be speaking to the rest of the world while at the Uhuru Peak which is the rooftop of Africa.
The internet services on the rooftop were installed for the first time in August this year at Horombo area, 3,720 metres above the sea level, but this time the services have been installed on the roof of Africa with the slogan ‘Data Kileleni’ which aims to further promote tourism at and around Mount Kilimanjaro.
Inaugurating the internet services at Marangu gate recently while en route to the peak, the minister said benefits of installing the internet services have started to be realised, as it has simplified work, ease tourists communication and increasing internet users at the park.
The minister commended Tanzania Telecommunications Company (TTCL) for bringing the world to the iconic mountain, which attracts thousands of tourists every year.
He said TTCL has succeeded in building internet communication infrastructure from Marangu to Mandara 9.5 Kilometres, Marangu to Horombo 13 kilometres, Horombo to Kibo 14 kilometres, Kibo to Uhuru 5.2 kilometers, Kibo to Barafu 3 kilometres, making the total of 44.7 kilometres.
“After establishing the first phase of internet services on Mount Kilimanjaro on August 16 this year, there has been an increase in the number of internet users, including tourists, porters and other stakeholders who enjoy the service while on the mountain by communicating with relatives and friends,” he said.
TTCL Director General, Engineer Peter Ulanga said that the innovation demonstrates Tanzanians’ potentials to do great things that affect the world positively.
“These services that we deliver to Mount Kilimanjaro are great success which shows how this country has made progress in using the backbone of the nation and using digital technologies,” said Eng Ulanga.
“I am very confident that where we are, we have the ability to tell Tanzania and the world that the TTCL is capable of changing the entire face of communication sector in our country,” he said.
On his part, the Director of Information Services and Chief Government Spokesperson, Mr Gerson Msigwa said the ministry’s goals are to promote the use of information technology where the government is implementing a strategy to ensure 80 per cent of citizens are digitally connected by 2025.
“The digital revolution that occurred today has resulted from the strategic communication infrastructure, the national communication backbone that led the speed and quality of communication, including the Internet, where its needs have increased,” he said.
