Vodacom Tanzania launches first 5G technology in the Country

What is 5G?

5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices.

5G wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users. Higher performance and improved efficiency empower new user experiences and connect new industries.

What are the differences between the previous generations of mobile networks and 5G?

The previous generations of mobile networks are 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G.

First generation – 1G
1980s: 1G delivered analog voice.
Second generation – 2G
Early 1990s: 2G introduced digital voice (e.g. CDMA- Code Division Multiple Access).
Third generation – 3G
Early 2000s: 3G brought mobile data (e.g. CDMA2000).
Fourth generation – 4G LTE
2010s: 4G LTE ushered in the era of mobile broadband.

1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G all led to 5G, which is designed to provide more connectivity than was ever available before.

5G is a unified, more capable air interface. It has been designed with an extended capacity to enable next-generation user experiences, empower new deployment models and deliver new services.

With high speeds, superior reliability and negligible latency, 5G will expand the mobile ecosystem into new realms. 5G will impact every industry, making safer transportation, remote healthcare, precision agriculture, digitized logistics — and more — a reality.

Vodacom Tanzania launches first 5G technology

Vodacom Tanzania Plc has launched the country’s first 5G technology in what promises to be a transformational development in the country’s digital journey.

Launched in Dar es Salaam on September 1 by the company’s Acting Managing Director Hilda Bujiku in the presence of Minister of Information, Communications and Information Technology, Nape Nnauye, the new technology is a notch higher than its predecessor 4G technology.

Vodacom Tanzania launches first 5G technology in the Country | Udahili Tech

“Our promise is to continue using technology to improve the lives of Tanzanians and lead the digital transformation. As we launch 5G we plan to reach 90 percent of Tanzanians with 3G and 45 by 2024,” said Vodacom’s Bujiku.

In terms of speed, 5G offers 40 times more speed and efficiency reaching up to 500mbps with enough spectrum. When tested on a mobile device at the launch, the 5G network reached 287mbps within less than 4 seconds.

Addressing the audience, Vodacom Tanzania Director of Network, Mr. Andrew Lupembe provided context on why 5G instead of enhancing 4G in the country, he said; “4G is good, but due to community demands, there was a need for higher technology with low latency, hence 5G. It will address a lot of challenges in Tanzania,” he explained.

Roll out of 5G will start with the establishment of over 200 5G sites in Tanzania’s regions such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Dodoma, Mwanza, Iringa, Kagera, Njombe, and also Zanzibar, among other areas by November 2022.

It will be available to fixed customers in small and medium enterprises.

With 5G, businesses should look forward to the great transformation such as the internet of things, artificial intelligence, and remote access to Healthcare, among other great rewards in sectors such as education, transportation, and tourism.

“Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) set up a technology-neutral spectrum that enabled us to invest and launch 5G,” Mr Lupembe said.

On the role of the government in enabling a conducive environment for technology and digital transformation, Mr. Nape said this latest development is a welcome milestone and a step towards Tanzania achieving its digital economy journey and fourth industrial revolution.

“We are joining an elite league of countries in Africa and the world who’ve launched 5G technology. The future is innovation and this is a good step. Through TCRA Tanzania is embarking on great digital development projects such as constructing the National Fibre Optic Cable network named as National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) with a view to achieving greater connectivity across the country and beyond,” said Nape.

The minister added that technology and the human spirit can create a better future for Tanzania. “This is going to be a game-changer for our country. Botswana, Egypt, Gabon, Lesotho, South Africa, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Kenya, and Nigeria all launched 5G before us, but now we are also on the platform, and it is a big step forward. Such a milestone manifests the benefits of our IT policies. We want to turn Tanzania into a digital economy and change lives through technology. Today the world is led by innovation through AI, the internet of things, and robotics, and I want Tanzania to play a part in these advancements,” said Nape.

On May 20 when tabling his ministry’s budget Nape said Tanzania will launch 5G this financial year, “I thank Vodacom Tanzania for making this a reality,” he said.

Another highlight of the game-changing development included Mr. Nape interacting with the host and audience at the launch venue virtually through a 3D hologram – the first in Tanzania, and the first two-way hologram worldwide.