Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s internet user base is nearing 50 million, a testament to the country's continued investment in communications infrastructure.
Recent data highlights a substantial increase in network coverage and digital access nationwide.
The latest Communication Statistics Report, covering January to March 2025, reveals that internet service subscriptions have grown to 49.3 million, up from 48 million.
Mobile wireless remains the most popular means of internet access.
According to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) report, signed by its director general, Dr Jabiri Bakari, the improved connectivity, driven by significant infrastructure upgrades, is reshaping the country’s social and economic landscape.
The report underscores how innovation, competitive pricing, and service availability are unlocking new opportunities, especially in underserved areas.
Mobile broadband leads with 27,064,368 subscriptions, while 2G technology still accounts for a significant portion, with 22,037,228 subscriptions.
Fibre technologies, such as Fibre to the Home (FTTH) and Fibre to the Office (FTTO), are less widespread, with just 77,940 and 13,685 subscriptions, respectively.
The surge in internet usage has fueled the expansion of 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, enabling millions of Tanzanians to access digital services and engage in the rapidly growing digital economy.
“During the review period, the telecommunications and internet sub-sector experienced significant infrastructure expansion, alongside increased usage of services,” the report states.
Furthermore, the report shows that population coverage for 3G grew to 92.2 percent, up from 91.0 percent, while 4G coverage increased to 90.7 percent, and 5G coverage rose to 23 percent, up from 20 percent.
Geographically, 3G now covers 74.1 percent of the population, 4G reaches 73.6 percent, and 5G stands at 3.6 percent.
“The strong competition among service providers has helped maintain retail tariffs for out-of-bundle (PAYG) services, leading to a reduction in bundled service tariffs,” adds another part.
“Innovation in service offerings and competitive pricing is expected to drive consumer demand,” the statement says.
TCRA noted that the progress in the communications sector is crucial to driving Tanzania's digital economy.
On postal and courier services, companies continue to play a vital role in the economy by facilitating the delivery of documents, packages, and parcels.
The rise of online businesses has created more demand for home and office delivery services.
“The Authority will continue promoting the use of modern technologies to track courier services and meet customer expectations,” the report states.
The broadcasting sub-sector also saw significant developments, particularly in service availability, coverage, and the increasing number of users.
Direct-to-Home (DTH) television now accounts for 73.8 percent of all active receivers, with DTH coverage reaching 100 percent, compared to 58 percent for Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).
FM radio services have reached 81.45 percent of the population.
