Yas drives inclusive rural connectivity strategy

DODOMA: Yas Tanzania has reaffirmed its strategy of expanding inclusive connectivity beyond major urban centres to underserved and rural communities.

The remarks were made by YAS Tanzania’s Chief Executive Officer, Pierre Canton Bacara at the launch of 758 communication towers by President Samia Suluhu Hassan in Dodoma over the weekend.

“The telecom infrastructure will enhance access to public services and support growth across key sectors, including financial services, e-commerce, health, and education, through expanded digital connectivity,” he said.

He said Yas Tanzania also noted that it has invested more than 1tri/- in network infrastructure and now operates one of the country’s widest 4G and 5G networks, covering more than 95 per cent of the population.

He said the infrastructure handover, covering both the completed communication towers and the national fibre optic backbone, forms part of Tanzania’s broader digital transformation agenda under Agenda 2050, aimed at expanding access to affordable, reliable, and resilient connectivity nationwide.

The company accounted for approximately 33 per cent of the total sites delivered (261 sites) and has upgraded its entire 2G footprint to 4G as part of its network modernisation programme.

The infrastructure was developed under a long-term public-private partnership between the Government and telecom operators, aimed at accelerating broadband rollout and strengthening the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB).

According to the consortium, the network includes fibre optic backbone routes along the Dodoma–Mwanza, Morogoro–Ifakara, and Moshi–Rombo corridors, covering approximately 1,193 kilometres.

It also includes metro fibre infrastructure across major urban centres, including Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mbeya, Mwanza, Tanga, Moshi, Morogoro, Dodoma, Tabora, Shinyanga, Biharamulo, Makambako, and Musoma. Additional segments remain under construction and will be handed over upon completion.

“As Tanzania advances toward becoming a regional digital hub, sustained collaboration between the public and private sectors will remain essential to accelerating transformation,” he said.

The consortium further noted that continued policy support, including review of broadband capacity charges, would enhance Tanzania’s competitiveness as a regional connectivity hub and support increased data traffic through the country.