Mobile operator Vodacom Tanzania has announced the launch of two new smartphones, the Tecno RC6 (Tecno Babkubwa) and the Itel AC13 (Itel Kitonga).

The company said the devices are available with an offer of free 60 GB’s for 12 months and 48 GB for 12 months respectively.

Vodacom Head of Sales and Distribution, George Lugata, said that in order to achieve Vodacom's vision of digitising Tanzania, “we must also ensure that customers have access to Internet and communication services without any hindrance of affordability or quality”.

“The importance of a fast internet connection for every smartphone user is well known, skype meetings, downloading of education materials, online shopping and business meetings just to mention a few. And in order for Tanzanians not to be behind in the growth of technology, we need fast and reliable internet services every day and on every smartphone we launch, as a result we decided to offer free GB’s to all those who will purchase these devices,” said Lugata.

Tecno PR Manager Eric Mkomoya, said that Tecno RC6 comes with a 5-inch display 10.0 Android operating system, 2000 mAh Li-Ion battery and is 4G enabled. Additional features include face unlock security and is retailing at Tsh95,000.

“And the Itel AC13 (Itel Kitonga device) comes with a 4-Inches display, 10.0 Android operating system, 1500mAh Li-Ion battery and 3G network enabled, its price will stand at 75,000 shillings,” said Itel PR Manager Fernando Wolle.

The devices are the latest to emerge from a long-standing partnership between Vodacom Tanzania Plc, Itel and Tecno.

A report published by Globenewswire.com, based on research by BuddeComm, stated that Tanzania’s mobile penetration reached 85% by early 2020.

In November 2020 Vodacom Tanzania announced a partnership with Laina Finance to offer a financial plan for consumers looking to purchase smartphones on credit.

According to statement Vodacom customers can apply for a smartphone loan for select devices at the company’s Vodacom shops nationwide on credit following an assessment.

“With the financing plan, customers can get a smartphone that worth up to TZA1m after a 40% initial deposit followed by flexible monthly installments of up to 3 months through M-Pesa,” read an excerpt from the statement.