
In a strategic move to enhance connectivity, boost cross-border trade, spur regional e-commerce, and help in bridging the digital divide beyond borders, state-owned telco, Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTLC) and Kenya’s ICT regulator, the Information and Communications Technology Authority, have introduced the Dar-es-Salaam to Mombasa Terrestrial Fibre Link.
Launched late last week at the Lunga Lunga/Horohoro Border area, the infrastructure will connect Tanzania's national telecommunications backbone through the Horohoro Centre to the iColo Data Centre in Mombasa, Kenya.
According to TTLC, the initiative aims to strengthen digital competitiveness, expand the scope of high-speed communication services, and stimulate the growth of the digital economy not only for Tanzania and Kenya, but for the entire East African region.
The telco highlights that the integration of the national trunk, which is a high-bandwidth communication line that carries multiple voice and data signals between switching centres within a country, allowing long-distance calls and connections between different service providers; and iColo Data Centre is a major step in the nations’ efforts to ensure they provide communication services to citizens and businesses, and will open the doors for these countries to become digital hubs for East Africa.
Additionally, the project is part of a broader effort to connect Africa through the Tanzanian-owned national trunk line under TTCL, which already connects Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi and Uganda.
“There is a huge advantage to having multiple communication backbone connections. This helps to ensure a reliable, reliable network even during technical challenges in a single communication channel,” said Jerry Silaa, Tanzania's minister for communications and information technology.
Kenya's minister for information, communications and digital economy, William Kabogo Gitau added: "The fundamental thing is sincere cooperation between our two countries. It is important to ensure that we maintain this strategic infrastructure to avoid damage that could lead to power and network outages. Let us also continue to strengthen our relations for the benefit of all parties."
Share