The network is expected to become operational in July 2015 after its13,000-km fibre-optic cable broadband system is completed, according toTanzanian Minister of Communication, Science and Technology JanuaryMakamba.
By 2016, Viettel’s services are hoped to cover around 4,000 local villages currently without the Internet.
Besides, the firm will offer low-cost smartphones and free Internet access for local schools, hospitals and offices.
Tanzania’s mobile telecoms sector has grown rapidly over thepast decade. The second largest economy in East Africa now has about 29million mobile subscribers of several operators including Zantel,Vodacom Tanzania and Tigo Tanzania .
In theneighbouring country of Mozambique, Movitel, a joint venture betweenViettel and a local firm, has operated successfully with 5 millionsubscribers, becoming the leading mobile service provider in thecountry.-VNA