The upgrade is expected to double mobile network capacity in these areas in order to meet demand from local citizens, enterprises and tourists.
"Our latest mobile infrastructure upgrades are a key part of the important work the Tanzanian government is undertaking to deliver our Vision 2025 programme and use the latest communication technologies as a tool for sustainable development,” said Makame Mbarawa, minister of communication, science and technology of Tanzania.
The government has reportedly already inaugurated the route from Dar es Salaam to the island of Zanzibar and further connections – from Shinyanga to Maswa in the north and Mikumi to Kidatu in the south – are expected to open in the coming months.
TTCL will use NEC’s iPASOLINK solutions for the upgrade which support hybrid TDM and IP-based mobile backhaul services.
“This enables the operator to continue to leverage investments in existing legacy TDM systems for voice traffic and use high-speed, high-capacity Ethernet for data, with the option of transitioning to an all-UIP network to enable highly efficient long-haul transmissions in the future,” a statement from NEC read.
The iPASOLINK solution is also designed to support the expansion of LTE network services when required.
The Tanzanian government took full control of TTCL in February 2013. NEC has partnered with the company since 1972.
