Tanzania’s largest mobile network operator, Tigo, has entered into a partnership with Ericsson to launch the 5G technology and to fully modernize and expand the existing 4G network across the country, the company said on Thursday.
The 5G services, according to the operator, will initially cover Dar Es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar, before gradually rolling out across the country at strategic locations.
Chief Executive Officer at Tigo Tanzania, Kamal Okba, who addressed journalists after the launching, said Ericsson is currently upgrading Tigo Tanzania’s existing 4G network with Radio Access Network (RAN) products and microwave solutions (MINI-LINK 6000).
“Tigo Tanzania is leveraging the latest energy-efficient products from the 5G Ericsson Radio System portfolio. Tigo’s network is being expanded and upgraded to increase network capacity, providing the benefits of a fast and reliable connection,” Okba said.
He added that the Ericsson Radio System 5G portfolio is designed to manage all site types and traffic scenarios, even as networks grow in technology and capacity across generations, delivering high performance on the smallest site footprint with the lowest energy consumption.
“Ericsson will also optimize Tigo Tanzania’s network by deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled Cognitive Software to align network performance with strategic objectives,” he said.
“We have witnessed outstanding progress so far; the performance of the network has been elevated, and the customer experience has been greatly enhanced by the modernization and expansion of the existing 4G network and the launch of 5G in Dar Es Salaam, Dodoma, and Zanzibar.”
“Tigo Tanzania and Ericsson are working to roll out the service to other regions and the rest of the country. This is a major milestone for the nation and the African continent where we are committed to grow and expand our reach in collaboration with our partner, Ericsson,” he added.