Tigo launches bid to become biggest 4G network in Tanzania

Speaking at the launch, Tigo Interim General Manager Cecile Tiano said: "This once again demonstrates our company's commitment to the digital lifestyle transformation and its leadership in delivering cutting edge technology and innovation in this market."

Tanzania’s Minister of Communications, Science and Technology Professor Makame Mbarawa (Guest of Honour) addressing stakeholders during the launch of 4GLTE technology by Tigo Tanzania

The 4G LTE network means faster speeds to surf and download content from the Internet and make Skype calls. It also significantly enhances the customer experience for video streaming or conferencing. The new technology is about five times faster than the 3G technology currently available in the market.

The 4G LTE technology is a standard for wireless communication of high-speed data. It has the capacity to efficiently transfer large amounts of data at an unparalleled speed. It can also accommodate more applications such as video conferencing, high definition content, video blogs, interactive games and video downloads on social networking sites.

With the surging use of smartphones among the Tanzania population, 4G technology will enable Tigo customers to enjoy a world class experience of increased speed and quality of internet access through the network.

"Today's launch covers Masaki and Mlimani City areas within Dar es Salaam but our plan is to fully cover the city by end of July, ensuring quality coverage in Kinondoni, Ilala and Temeke in places such as Upanga, Posta, Tegeta, Mbagala, Tabata, Kimara, Mbezi, Ukonga, Salasala, Mikocheni, Msasani, Sinza and so on," Tiano explained.

"We will also launch 4G in Arusha, Dodoma, Morogoro, Moshi, Mwanza and Tanga by end of August. This will make us by far the biggest 4G network in Tanzania," she added.

The 4G technology launch is part of Tigo's commitment to continue improving the quality and coverage of its network and bring world class products and services to Tanzanians.

Tigo recently announced plans to invest US $120 million in 2015 on its network expansion and improvement. The investment includes scaling up its 3G sites and fibre network countrywide to make the internet accessible to more users.

Fact box:

• Tigo new 4G technology makes Tigo the fastest Internet network in the country
• The company is investing $ 120 million on network improvement and expansion in 2015
• Network has 8.5million total subscribers
• 4G will increase internet speed by 5 times from the current 3G technology
• 4G launch covers Masaki, Mlimani city areas in Dar
• 4G to cover whole city and six regional capitals by August 2015

Distributed by APO (African Press Organization) on behalf of Tigo Tanzania.

For further information visit: www.tigo.co.tz.