More subscriptions will lower data and voice tariffs in Tanzania

The key to lowering tariffs for both voice and data lies in the fact that more companies need to subscribe to the national marine fibre optic cable service that runs through Tanzania. This was the sentiment echoed by Six Telecoms Founder and Group Strategic Director Rashid Shamte during an ICT conference in the country.

The key to lowering tariffs for both voice and data lies in the fact that more companies need to subscribe to the national marine fibre optic cable service (image: stock.xchng)

“So far there are only four companies which have subscribed to the national broadband fibre optic cable which include Six Telecoms, this is not enough to lower tariffs but because the government has opened up access to the service more players will likely join,” Shamte said.

According to Tanzania Daily News, “he said the fibre optic cable which has already spread to all district headquarters in the country and borders with all the six landlocked countries served by Dar es Salaam port, will make Tanzania as a leading gateway in Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).”

The other three companies that already subscribe to the national broadband fibre optic cable in Tanzania are Zantel, Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited and Seacom Tanzania Limited, while the licensing is administered by Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).

He added that Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Uganda and Zambia will soon gain access to the East Africa Submarine fibre optic system (EASY) in partnership with the local telecommunications companies.

“Very soon we will be a leading wholesale broadband services providers in SADC region,” he concluded.

Charlie Fripp – Consumer Tech editor