Mobile operator Tigo Tanzania has unveiled a brand new 4G LTE technology which is said to be five times faster than the 3G technology.According to the operator, this move is set to make it the largest and fastest internet network provider in the country. The technology is set to provide users with faster speeds to surf and download content from the internet as well as make video calls. It also has the ability to efficiently transfer large amounts of data at unparalleled speed. Users will be able to benefit from its ability to accommodate applications such as video conferencing, high definition content, video blogs, interactive games and video downloads on social networking sites.
With the proliferation is cell phone use in Africa on the rise, this innovation is set to see more growth in mobile phone ownership as well as a spike in smartphone ownership.
“With the surging use of smartphones among the Tanzania population, 4G technology will enable Tigo customers to enjoy a world class experience of increased speed and quality of Internet access through the network,” according to Tigo.
Tigo has 8.5 million total subscribers countrywide.
Mobile phone ownership in the country has surged to over 28 million and is expected to grow at a rapid rate.
According to The World Bank, Tanzanians have been among the fastest users of mobile money services in the world, just behind Kenya. In 2010-11, average household spending on communication was higher than on health care, while the country had 56 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants.