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Yas invests Sh1 trillion to expand communication network, digital economy
🇹🇿 Tanzania /Technology

Yas invests Sh1 trillion to expand communication network, digital economy

From Mwananchi · () Swahili

Translated from Swahili, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Yas Tanzania has invested over Sh1 trillion to expand and improve its communication infrastructure.
  • The investment has led to the construction of over 4,800 communication towers, extending internet services to many rural and underserved areas.
  • The company aims to accelerate digital inclusion and increase opportunities for Tanzanians in the digital economy, including offering affordable smartphone plans.

Yas Tanzania, a telecommunications company, has announced a significant investment exceeding Sh1 trillion (approximately $400 million USD) aimed at expanding and enhancing its communication infrastructure across Tanzania. This substantial financial commitment is designed to accelerate digital inclusion and broaden opportunities for Tanzanians to participate in the digital economy.

The investment has facilitated the construction of over 4,800 communication towers nationwide. This expansion has extended internet services to numerous rural and previously underserved regions, bridging the digital divide. Pierre Canton-Bacara, CEO of Yas Tanzania, stated during the 50th Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) that the company's mission is to bring the digital world to every corner of Tanzania, recognizing that communication unlocks opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities.

We are not just investing in big cities. Our goal is to bring the digital world to every corner of Tanzania because communication opens up opportunities for individuals, businesses, and communities.

— Pierre Canton-BacaraThe CEO of Yas Tanzania explained the company's commitment to expanding digital access beyond urban centers during the Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair.

Beyond infrastructure development, Yas Tanzania is addressing the affordability of smartphones, a key barrier to digital participation, especially in rural areas. The company has launched a program allowing citizens to acquire smartphones with a small initial payment and subsequent daily installments that include voice and internet services. Canton-Bacara noted that despite advancements in 4G services, smartphone ownership remains low, hindering widespread access to digital services. He also mentioned the company is exploring solutions for areas with unreliable electricity, such as promoting power banks and solar chargers.

Furthermore, Yas Tanzania is expanding its digital financial services, including savings, loans, and savings groups, alongside communication solutions for businesses utilizing modern technologies. The company also recently launched a new phase of its services.

Smartphone ownership is still below the required level for many citizens to benefit from digital services.

— Pierre Canton-BacaraCanton-Bacara highlighted the challenge of smartphone affordability in Tanzania, particularly for rural residents, as a barrier to digital inclusion.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Mwananchi in Swahili. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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