ZANTEL EXTENDS NETWORK COVERAGE IN ZANZIBAR

The Minister of Construction, Communication and Transport - Zanzibar, Hon. Rahma Kassim Ali cuts a ribbon to signal the official launch of the eight Network Sites in Bumbwini Mafufu village. On the left (holding the ribbon) is the Head of Zantel -Zanzibar, Mr Mohammed Khamis Mussa.

The Minister of Construction, Communication and Transport - Zanzibar, Hon. Rahma Kassim Ali listens to the Zantel Chief Technology Officer, Mr Lucas Nchimbi as he was speaking during the launch of the eight Network Sites in Bumbwini Mafufu village (standing at the middle). On his right, is the Head of Zantel - Zanzibar, Mr Mohammed Khamis Mussa.

• It is through its new 8 network sites that will ensure customers enjoy seamless communication services

Zanzibar - In its efforts of extending and improving network connectivity in Pemba and Unguja Islands, Zantel has launched eight (8) new network sites in various rural areas where there was poor or completely no network coverage to ensure reliable network to the customers.

The newly launched sites, include Seacliff, Uzi Island, Kisiwani, Chambani, Bumbwini Makoba, Makangale, Maziwa N’gombe and Jongowe were launched by the Minister of Construction, Communication and Transport - Zanzibar, Hon. Rahma Kassim Ali at Bumbwini Mafufu site.

Speaking during the launching event, the Head of Zantel-Zanzibar, Mr. Mohammed Khamis Mussa said Zantel main objective is to ensure that the whole Zanzibar is connected, and the people are accessing reliable communication and internet services.

“Zantel is continuously expanding and modernising its network infrastructures to extend our connectivity to non-covered areas and provides consistent services. We are happy to complete the installation of these eight network sites that will bring reliable communication and internet services to our customers,” he said.

He added “"Apart from expanding the mobile network coverage, our current mission is to lead the adoption of the internet and overall digital lifestyle in our markets. To walk the talk, we are upgrading our 2G to 3G networks and installing the 4G network,"

He thanked the government, through the Ministry of Work, Communication and Transport andZanzibar ICT Infrastructure Agency (ZICTIA) for partnering with Zantel in building efficient network infrastructures whereby more than 86 percent of the country is currently connected.

Under the partnership with ZICTIA, Zantel has so far managed to connect its 33 additional network sites with 28 Kilometres of the installed national fibre optical cable which improves transmission capacity making network more reliable to users.

Launching the sites and the new fiber network, the Minister of Construction, Communication and Transport - Zanzibar, Hon. Rahma Kassim Ali commended Zantel for the huge investment in network infrastructures and continuously providing reliable communication and internet services in the Islands.

“I appreciate Zantel for being close with the government in resolving the communication challenges facing Zanzibaris. This is due to the important roles played by communication service in getting timely information that help people to make right decision on their development aspects,” she said.

She added “That is why the government through the Ministry of Construction, Communication and Transport has been building effective ICT infrastructure such as the National Fibre optical cable and Data Centres, that have been helpful in improving the communication services and security.”

She said, the improved communication and internet services scale-up the promotion of the blue-economy by strengthening access to market information in the sector.

Zantel is also taking different measures to create public awareness on the proper use of internet for socio-economic gains through its PASUA ANGA KI ZANTEL 4G campaign, so that the customers can exploit the available development opportunities on the digital space.