As of December 2024, Tanzania's communication sector has experienced remarkable growth, with 86.8 million SIM cards registered, reflecting a 7.7% increase from September 2024. Internet subscriptions reached 48 million, marking a 16% growth in just one quarter, driven by the widespread use of mobile internet, which accounts for 47.9 million subscriptions. Advanced technologies like 4G (88% coverage) and 5G (20% coverage) highlight significant infrastructure investments. Despite the rise of smartphones (36% penetration), feature phones dominate with 87%. These trends underscore Tanzania's progress in bridging the digital divide while revealing opportunities for enhanced connectivity in underserved regions.
Mobile and Internet Communication in Tanzania (as of December 2024)
- Mobile SIM Cards
- Total SIM cards (both P2P and M2M): Increased from 80.7 million in September 2024 to 86.8 million in December 2024, representing a growth of 7.7%.
- Distribution by Service Providers:
- Vodacom: 31%
- Airtel: 30%
- Halotel: 23%
- Yas: 14%
- TTCL: 2%.
- Top Regions by Number of SIM Cards:
- Dar es Salaam: 15.98 million
- Mwanza: 5.75 million
- Arusha: 5.23 million
- Mbeya: 4.99 million
- Dodoma: 4.64 million.
- Trends Over Five Years:
- SIM cards have grown from 51.3 million in 2020 to 86.8 million in 2024.
- Internet Usage:
- Internet subscriptions: Grew by 16%, from 41.4 million in September 2024 to 48 million in December 2024.
- Mobile Internet leads the usage, with 47.9 million subscriptions. Vodacom dominates this segment with a 34% market share, followed by Airtel (30%) and Halotel (23%).
- Infrastructure:
- Mobile network towers: Total 8,899, with Dar es Salaam hosting 1,214 towers.
- Network technology coverage:
- 2G: 98.2%
- 3G: 91%
- 4G: 88%
- 5G: 20%.
- Devices Connected to Networks:
- Feature phones: 87.39% penetration.
- Smartphones: 35.99% penetration.
Key insights about Tanzania's mobile and internet communication sector
1. Growth in Connectivity
- Rapid Expansion: The steady increase in the number of SIM cards (from 51.3 million in 2020 to 86.8 million in 2024) reflects robust sector growth. This is likely driven by competitive pricing, increased mobile coverage, and a growing population adopting mobile services.
- Internet Penetration: The rise in internet subscriptions (16% growth in just one quarter) highlights the accelerating digital adoption across Tanzania, with mobile internet being the dominant mode of access.
2. Regional Disparities
- Dar es Salaam's Dominance: The high number of SIM cards (15.98 million) and towers (1,214) in Dar es Salaam emphasizes its position as the country's economic and technological hub.
- Emerging Urban Centers: Regions like Mwanza and Arusha also demonstrate significant connectivity levels, suggesting ongoing urbanization and digital engagement outside the capital.
3. Technology Adoption
- Smartphones on the Rise: With a penetration rate of 35.99%, smartphones are becoming increasingly accessible, paving the way for broader internet usage and digital services.
- Legacy Technology Persistence: Feature phones still dominate (87.39% penetration), showing that a large segment of the population relies on basic devices, possibly due to affordability and digital literacy gaps.
4. Competition and Market Dynamics
- Service Providers' Market Share: Vodacom and Airtel lead the market, but competition remains robust with significant contributions from Halotel and Yas. This diversity fosters competitive pricing and innovation.
- Infrastructure Investments: The coverage of advanced technologies like 4G (88%) and growing 5G (20%) adoption reflect increased investments in modern infrastructure.
5. Opportunities and Challenges
- Opportunities:
- Growing smartphone penetration and internet access can support digital government services, e-commerce, and mobile banking.
- Regions with lower penetration (e.g., rural areas) present opportunities for targeted infrastructure expansion.
- Challenges:
- Affordability of smartphones and internet access remains a barrier for many.
- Urban-rural disparities in coverage and infrastructure highlight the need for inclusive policies.
