Pan-African internet service provider (ISP) Africa Online has announced that it plans to expand its VSAT services to Tanzania.

In a statement Africa Online says that it will also be launching a managed infrastructure and services solution called iManage.

The iManage hosted solution has already been launched in six other African countries.

Winston Smith, general manager of terrestrial services for GIN and Africa Online says that the group sees tremendous potential in the East African territories and with its subsidiaries in Kenya and Uganda, views Tanzania as a key growth sector.

"We have a licensed terrestrial wireless and VSAT networks in Dar es Salaam and have significant plans to grow and expand it," said Smith.

"Africa Online is very excited about the VSAT expansion in Tanzania in both the consumer and enterprise markets. VSAT offers easy to deploy connectivity solutions, which compete very favourably with other terrestrial offerings like DSL and fibre.

"The extensive reach and coverage of multiple satellites operated by GIN provides connectivity in both metropolitan and rural markets across the extent of Tanzania. The company has rolled out a 'free equipment' promotion to aid customers' service uptake by bringing the service within the reach of many users," he explained.

Africa Online is a subsidiary of Gondwana International Networks (GIN), which was acquired in December.