Tigo pioneers 4G LTE launch in Tanzania

Tigo subscribers in Tanzania can now enjoy internet connection following the unveiling of the company’s 4G LTE service in the country. The 4G LTE technology is about five times faster than the 3G technology currently available in the Tanzanian market.

The 4G LTE network offers faster and higher speeds of data transfer, faster response times from the network and increased overall network capacity. It significantly enhances the customer experience for video streaming or conferencing and can accommodate more applications such as high definition content, video blogs, interactive games and video downloads on social networking sites.

Commenting on the launch in a press conference in Dar es Salaam, Tigo Tanzania General Manager, Diego Gutierrez, lauded the 4G LTE as ‘the first of its kind in Africa’ and reiterated the telecom’s commitment in improving the quality and coverage of its network and bring world-class digital products and services to Tanzania.

In this East African country where digital infrastructure is steadily taking shape, the news on Tigo Tanzania’s 4G launch is sweet music to the ears of the country’s 67% of the population that, according to the Tanzania Communication Regulation Authority (TCRA), has mobile phones.

“The Tigo 4G has been a God-sent to me because, unlike the 3G that I have been using before, I can now do video streaming without the video getting stuck; the network access has no buffering and the skype calls are much better and clearer”, says Isaac Ernest, a Social Communications Consultant based in Dar es Salaam.

Ms Hellen Elibariki, a tour guide in Arusha said, “Working in the tourism industry means I have local and international contacts that need fast and efficient communication. The Tigo 4G has really simplified my communication with my contacts because now am able to transfer large data faster, conduct clearer and seamless skype calls and give my contacts, especially prospective tourists, large amounts of up-to-the-minute information about our services and this has started boosting our business”.

Gutierrez said: “Tigo once again demonstrates its commitment to promote digital lifestyle transformation and its leadership in delivering cutting-edge technology and innovations in its market”. Early this year, the company announced an increased annual investment of US $ 120 million per year on infrastructure improvement and expansion which is 20% higher that Tigo’s annual spend in the past three years.