Vodacom Tanzania is conducting trials on Long Term Evolution
(LTE) technology which will enable the firm's customers to enjoy ultra-fast
internet speed.Speaking at a ceremony to launch the trials in Dar es Salaam, Vodacom's Managing Director Rene Meza, said the LTE would make the country at par with the rest of the world in terms of technology.
He said the move has been possible following the firm's
connection to National Broadband ICT Backbone. "LTE will enable Vodacom
customers to enjoy superior internet speed," Mr Meza said.
He said the
superior internet speed will enhance delivery of services in various sectors
including commerce, health, agriculture and education.
"Vodacom's LTE trial will allow for a smooth handover
between 2G, 3G, 3.75 G. In other words, LTE users will have access to seamless
communication services as they move through various parts of the country,"
said the company's managing director.
Mr Meza noted that smart phones in the market that are LTE
enabled include the iPhone 5, Samsung S3, Nokia Lumia 800 and Samsung Galaxy 2.
He said his company was in discussions with the Tanzania Communications
Regulatory Authority (TCRA) on the allocation of spectrum that would allow for
LTE to be commercially deployed.
According to the experience from advanced markets such as
Germany and Korea, the 800 MHz and 1800 MHz spectrum bands allow for wider
coverage and cost efficient deployment of LTE as well as wide device
availability. "Current spectrum for LTE has been fully allocated to
licences but Tanzania is yet to enjoy fast super internet speed countrywide.
We are therefore hopeful that the government will be able to
provide us guidance on the way forward," he said.
Mr Meza pointed out that
the LTE is such a technology which will contribute to the development of the
country's information and communications technology (ICT) industry and provide
ultra-fast internet speed.
Source: The Daily News, www.dailynews.co.tz, reported by Ludovick Kazoka in Dar es Salaam