Tanzania
Mobile networks and carriers in Tanzania use 2 GSM bands, 1 UMTS band, and 1 LTE band. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Tanzania. See the tables below for details.
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Check device compatibilityTanzania's mobile communications market has experienced significant growth in terms of the number of operators and subscribers over the past few years. The country has seen a substantial increase in mobile subscribers, with a 43% rise from 47,685,232 in 2019 to 64,088,651 in June 2023. This growth has led to a telecom penetration rate of 101% as of 2023, indicating that almost every citizen has access to mobile services.
Historically, Tanzania's mobile network development began with a few operators, but the market has expanded to include five major mobile network operators (MNOs): Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo, Halotel, and TTCL. These operators have a combined market share of 97%, with Vodacom holding 30%, Airtel and Tigo each holding 27%, Halotel holding 13%, and TTCL holding 3%. The sector has also seen the introduction of new services like mobile internet, with Smile being the only MNO offering exclusive mobile internet services.
The government has been actively involved in improving the telecom infrastructure, launching initiatives such as the Universal Communications Service Access Fund (UCSAF) to provide subsidies for expanding networks in rural areas. Private sector investments, such as Vodacom Tanzania's $200 million network investment in 2021, have also contributed to the sector's growth.
In terms of data consumption, Tanzania has shown a steady increase, with data consumption reaching 78PB in April 2023, 81PB in May, and 83PB in June. The average mobile internet speeds are 14.35 Mbps for download and 7.23 Mbps for upload, while fixed internet speeds average 26.09 Mbps for download and 22.76 Mbps for upload. The top data consumers in Tanzania include YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok.
Overall, Tanzania's mobile communications sector has experienced rapid growth and development, driven by both government initiatives and private sector investments, making it one of the most vibrant telecom markets in East Africa.
Carriers
| Name | # of frequency bands in use |
|---|---|
| Airtel | 3 |
| Smile | 4 |
| Tigo | 4 |
| Vodacom | 4 |
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Frequencies in use
GSM
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| 900 MHz (E-GSM) | GSM |
| 1800 MHz (DCS) | GSM |
UMTS
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B1 (2100 MHz) | UMTS |
LTE
| Name | Interface |
|---|---|
| B20 (800 MHz DD) | LTE |
