Tanzania's digital landscape is set for a significant transformation as the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) takes the lead in its plans to provide high-speed internet in public spaces throughout the country. The initiative, which is in its nascent stages, is geared towards establishing unlicensed frequency bands, which would open up opportunities for service providers to offer free Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) hotspots across various community spaces.
The initiative aligns with the government's aspirations to equip 80 percent of the Tanzanian population with access to high-speed internet services by 2025. The current administration has been keen on advancing opportunities in Information Communication Technology (ICT) to achieve this objective.
High-speed internet access is seen as a catalyst for the digital economy, expected to boost various sectors including finance, tourism, agriculture, and health. Having worked on expanding access to high-speed internet, TCRA is now focusing on making the internet freely accessible in public spaces, such as bus terminals and hospitals. This is part of their strategy to increase internet usage in Tanzania.
According to the Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, substantial progress has been made in ensuring that access to high-speed and reliable internet communication is becoming productive for Tanzanian citizens. While the ultimate goal hasn't been reached yet, the shift from 'internet everywhere' to 'internet for everyone' is a significant step forward.
In the most recent budget plan, the Finance Minister stressed the government's ongoing efforts to oversee the digital revolution in the country. The digital economy, according to him, is vital for transforming the nation because it allows all sectors to effectively collaborate through a robust digital environment.
To make this vision a reality, the government will undertake various projects, which include the expansion of the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB), the Digital Tanzania initiative, and the development and manufacture of ICT equipment.
As the country ventures towards a digital economy, the role of the TCRA becomes increasingly vital. It has the responsibility of regulating telecommunications and postal services, a key aspect in ensuring Tanzania's smooth transition into a digitally connected future.