5G has been launched in Dar Es Salaam, Dodoma and Zanzibar as part of an alliance between Tigo Tanzania and Ericsson.

The partnership will modernise and expand Tigo Tanzania’s existing 4G network infrastructure using Radio Access Network (RAN) products and microwave solutions (MINI-LINK 6000), and facilitate gradual expansion of 5G rollout nationally.

“The Ericsson 5G Radio System is designed to manage all site types and traffic scenarios, even as networks grow in technology and capacity across generations, delivering high performance on the smallest site footprint with the lowest energy consumption,” the companies said.

Ericsson will also deploy AI-enabled cognitive software to align network performance with strategic objectives.

“Ericsson will optimise the network by applying AI-powered technologies, evaluate future network demands through active monitoring and predictive forecasting, and meet increasingly critical performance demands while improving the user experience,” the companies added.

Kamal Okba, CEO at Tigo Tanzania, said: “We have witnessed outstanding progress so far; the performance of the network has been elevated, and the customer experience has been greatly enhanced by the modernisation and expansion of the existing 4G network and the launch of 5G in Dar Es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar. Tigo Tanzania and Ericsson are working to roll out the service to other regions and the rest of the country. Every improvement made to our network is a step in the right direction to support the Digital Tanzania Project and ensure the initiative realises its goals to increase access to broadband internet services and improve the delivery of connected services.”

Product Take-Back Program

The companies said that as under the auspices of the partnership - and as part of the Ericsson Product Take-Back Program, Ericsson will collect, decommission, transport and recycle Tigo Tanzania’s dismantled and obsolete equipment “with the highest industrial standards, to minimise the potential environmental impact of the end-of-life electrical equipment.”

Nora Wahby, Vice President and Head of Customer Unit Morocco and West Africa at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, said: “We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Tigo Tanzania and expanding the existing network by launching 5G and deploying the Ericsson Cognitive Software. Ericsson’s latest capacity-boosting and energy-efficient products and solutions combined with AI-powered Optimisation Services will bring new opportunities to Tigo Tanzania to further develop their offerings by leveraging the full power of 5G. The use of all key advantages of leadership in new technologies from Ericsson will further expand the benefits of mobile technology to individuals and businesses alike, ushering a new era of connectivity in the country.”