Rural communities reap benefits of improved digital connectivity
DODOMA: RESIDENTS in rural parts of Dodoma, Manyara and Tanga regions are experiencing significant improvements in their daily lives and businesses following the expansion of reliable 4G internet and mobile communication services to their communities.
In Hombolo Makulu Village in Dodoma Region, home to more than 10,800 people according to the 2022 In Hombolo Makulu Village in Dodoma Region, home to more than 10,800 people according to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, residents say improved network coverage has transformed communication, financial transactions and access to online services.
Village Chairperson Amos Paulo Chiboni said poor connectivity had previously made it difficult for residents to stay in touch with relatives, conduct business and access mobile money services.
“For many years communication was a challenge. Now we can easily talk to our relatives, send and receive money and access internet services without interruption,” he said.Chiboni noted that farmers and livestock keepers are among those benefiting from the improved connectivity, which enables them to communicate with customers and business partners more efficiently.
He added that many residents have embraced digital financial services, making transactions faster and more convenient.
For local food vendor Hawa Lugano, reliable internet has created new opportunities to grow her business.
She said weak connectivity previously caused her to miss customer orders sent through WhatsApp, affecting her daily income.
“Now I receive customer messages instantly and can respond quickly. It has helped me serve more customers and improve my business,” Lugano said.
The improved access to digital services has also enabled her to access micro-loans through mobile financial platforms, providing additional capital to support her business activities.
Similar benefits are being felt in Katesh Village in Manyara Region, where residents involved in farming and livestock keeping now enjoy improved communication and easier access to digital services.
Community members say better connectivity is helping them stay connected with markets, customers and family members while opening opportunities for small businesses that depend on mobile money and internet services.
In Duga Maforoni, a border community in Mkinga District, Tanga Region, residents engaged in fishing and cross-border trade say reliable communication has made it easier to conduct business and access financial services.Traders and fishermen noted that improved internet access has strengthened communication with customers and business partners, helping them manage transactions more efficiently.
The improvements follow the commissioning of new 4G telecommunications infrastructure in the three communities, extending broadband services to thousands of residents living in farming, livestock, fishing and trading areas.
The expanded connectivity has been made possible through investments by telecommunications companyAirtel Tanzania, which recently commissioned new 4G towers in Hombolo Makulu, Katesh and Duga Maforoni to improve network coverage and digital access in underserved rural communities.
