Upgraded stores designed to increase customer access to services

DAR ES SALAAM: VODACOM Tanzania has today officially unveiled 6 upgraded Mobile Shops, bringing its fleet to a total of 12 trucks thereby marking a major step forward in bringing access to telecommunications and digital services closer to communities across Tanzania.

The fleet upgrade involves transitioning from small standard mobile vans to larger, fully equipped service trucks designed to extend access to Vodacom services in underserved and remote communities aligned with Vodacom’s broader commitment to empowering communities through inclusive digital services.

The Mobile Shops will provide a wide range of services ranging from SIM registration, M-Pesa services, customer support, device sales including affordable smart phone sales on credit supported by flexible payment plans, digital education to community outreach activities.

Speaking during the launch ceremony held at Vodacom Headquarters in Dar es Salaam, the company’s Chief Executive Officer Philip Besiimire, noted that this initiative strongly aligns with the Government’s agenda of expanding reliable communication services to all parts of the country, including hard-to-reach and remote communities.

He highlighted that the initiative perfectly matches with their focus on customer centricity by increasing customer engagement, expanding service uptake, and strengthening its presence in underserved communities while supporting national development goals.

“This initiative reflects our deep commitment to putting customers at the centre of everything we do. By upgrading and increasing our fleet of Mobile Shops we are deliberately breaking down barriers of access and bringing our services directly to the communities that need them most. We believe that the upgraded units will serve as mobile service hubs, enabling customers to access a wide range of Vodacom services including product support, customer care, digital solutions, and education on digital tools and services” said Besiimire.

ALSO READ: Tanzania, Qatar agree to broaden ties in the communications sector

He added that each mobile shop being rolled out today has the capacity to serve approximately 1,200 customers per month, particularly in underserved areas. This initiative directly complements the infrastructure efforts led by UCSAF and other Vodacom partners across the private sector to expand connectivity in rural Tanzania. As the CEO noted, “Where the network reaches, we follow. Where the people are, we show up.”

The 12 Mobile Shops will operate on a rotational deployment model to ensure wider geographical coverage and continuous engagement with customers across the country. Moreover, they will enhance convenience, reduce travel times for customers, and improve overall service accessibility.