As of March 2025, Tanzania recorded 49.3 million internet subscriptions, up from 48.6 million in January, reflecting a 1.57% growth in just one quarter. The majority — over 99% — are mobile wireless connections, highlighting Tanzania’s status as a mobile-first digital economy. Fixed wireless and fixed wired lines accounted for less than 1% combined. In terms of market share, Vodacom led with 34.0%, followed by Yas (30.4%) and Airtel (21.8%), showing strong competition among service providers. The steady growth and mobile dominance indicate increasing digital adoption, especially through smartphones.

1. Monthly Internet Usage (Subscriptions) — January to March 2025

What It Tells Us:

• Steady Growth: Internet subscriptions increased by 1.57% in one quarter — an addition of 764,110 users.
• Mobile Dominance: Mobile wireless accounts for over 99% of internet usage, indicating that mobile phones are the main access point to the internet in Tanzania.
• Fixed Internet (Wired & Wireless): While still small, both fixed wired and fixed wireless connections are slowly increasing — a sign of gradual infrastructure expansion for homes, offices, and institutions.
• Digital Inclusion: More Tanzanians are accessing internet services month-to-month, showing growing digital inclusion and demand for online services.

2. Share of Mobile Internet Subscriptions by Operator — March 2025

What It Tells Us:

• Vodacom Leads: Vodacom maintains a strong position with over one-third of the mobile internet market, indicating reliability, reach, and strong data packages.
• Yas Rising: Yas (formerly Tigo) is close behind, showing strong growth in user adoption and possibly competitive pricing or promotions.
• Airtel’s Solid Share: Airtel controls nearly 22% of the market, reinforcing its role as a major player.
• Smaller Players: Halotel and TTCL have smaller shares, but they play a crucial role in serving specific regions or customer segments.
• Market Diversity: The relatively even distribution among top three operators suggests healthy competition, which may lead to better service quality and pricing for users.

Key Insights from Internet Usage and Market Share

1. Tanzania is a Mobile-First Internet Market

• Over 99% of internet subscriptions come from mobile wireless connections.
• Only a small fraction (less than 1%) use fixed wireless or fixed broadband (like fiber).
• This shows that most Tanzanians access the internet through mobile phones, not desktop or home internet — a clear sign that mobile technology is driving digital inclusion.

2. Internet Adoption Is Growing Steadily

• Between January and March 2025, internet subscriptions grew from 48.57 million to 49.33 million, a rise of 764,110 users (+1.57% in one quarter).
• This steady growth suggests rising demand for internet services, likely due to:
  • Expansion of 4G/5G networks
  • Mobile money and online platforms
  • Social media usage and digital entertainment

3. Market Is Competitive, But Led by Key Players

• Vodacom leads the mobile internet market with 34.0% share — likely due to its wide coverage and stable service.
• Yas (30.4%) and Airtel (21.8%) are strong competitors, showing that users have multiple choices.
• Halotel (10.4%) and TTCL (3.4%) serve smaller niches, often in rural or institutional areas.
• The presence of multiple players encourages better service quality, innovation, and pricing — good news for consumers.

4. Fixed Internet Still Needs Investment

• Fixed wired and wireless subscriptions remain below 1%, meaning most homes and businesses still lack broadband access.
• This signals a need for:
  • Infrastructure development (fiber optics)
  • Government-private partnerships
  • Affordable fixed internet packages

Bottom Line

Tanzania's internet landscape is mobile-driven, growing steadily, and highly competitive. While access is expanding, the next step is to broaden fixed internet coverage and ensure rural areas are connected just like urban centers.