Vodacom Tanzania has affirmed it will use the spectrum blocks it was awarded recently “effectively” and underlined its contribution to the country’s development Vision 2030.

The operator released a statement in which it highlighted plans to use the 700MHz, 2600MHz and 2300MHz spectrum blocks awarded by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) during the 2022 spectrum auction carried out on 11 October 2022.

Rtd Judge Thomas B. Mihayo, Vodacom Tanzania PLC’s Chairman, said, “I would like to thank the TCRA who conducted the recently concluded spectrum auction in a transparent and impartial manner for all who applied. Spectrum assignment is a progressive step for both the country and the economy and I can assure you that we intend to effectively use the 700MHz, 2300MHz and 2600MHz spectrum blocks that we have acquired to contribute to the country’s mobile broadband infrastructure that is a critical element to achieving our country’s development Vision 2030.”

Hilda Bujiku, Vodacom Tanzania Ag. Managing Director said the newly acquired spectrum will help to accelerate the company’s vision to digitise Tanzania as well as the digital inclusion agenda through expansion and acceleration of broadband coverage.

“In an increasingly digital environment, adequate access to spectrum is key to expanding the deployment and coverage of telecommunication network, and addressing the ever-increasing demand for data services. Tanzania is quickly transforming to embrace the 4th Industrial Revolution and this spectrum will impact key sectors such as health, transportation, education, agriculture, employment, government, and financial services once fully utilised.

“Our participation in the auction, and continued network investment plans, reflect our stated commitment to investing in the country and working towards our vision to lead Tanzania into the digital age built on the delivery of quality services in the country. With this newly acquired spectrum we can assure our customers of best in class broadband coverage on our network,” concluded Rtd Judge Mihayo.

In a related development, Vodacom Tanzania competitor Airtel Africa announced last week it had purchased 140MHz of additional spectrum from TCRA for US$60.1-million.

The company said the spectrum is spread across the 2600MHz (2 blocks of 2x15 MHz) and 3500MHz bands, and this will help it expand its broadband capability including 5G rollout.

A statement released to the media reads: “This additional spectrum will support our network expansion in the market for both mobile data and fixed wireless home based broadband capability, including 5G rollout, providing significant capacity to accommodate our continued strong data growth in the country. This investment reflects our confidence in the opportunity inherent in the Tanzanian market, supporting the local communities and economy through furthering digital inclusion and connectivity.”