The Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jerry Slaa, has announced that the Sixth Phase Government has successfully connected 106 districts to the National Fibre Optic Network, with efforts underway to connect the remaining 36 districts.

Minister Slaa made the remarks during a meeting with Tanga Regional Commissioner, Ambassador Dr. Batilda Burian, at her office in Tanga City during a one-day visit to the region over the weekend.

As part of the visit, Minister Slaa inspected the National Fibre Optic Network at the Horohoro border area near Kenya, which links through Mombasa.

He highlighted that societal, economic, and technological advancements have created an opportunity for extensive use of communication technologies, underscoring the importance of the national fibre optic backbone for both Tanzania’s development and its global relations.

"Given its importance, the government under President Dr. Samia’s leadership has connected 106 districts to the national network, and efforts are continuing to connect the remaining 30 districts," he stated.

For her part, Tanga Regional Commissioner Dr. Batilda Burian emphasized that the successful integration of the national communications backbone linking Tanzania and Kenya (via Mombasa) will benefit Tanga in various social sectors.

Dr. Batilda noted that improvements and development of infrastructure, including ports, airports, and roads, are further boosting the communications sector, contributing to the growth and welfare of the region’s residents.

The pace of integrating communication systems into the national fibre optic network aligns with the goals of the Sixth Phase Government to promote development and cooperation between Eastern and Southern Tanzania.

The National Fibre Optic Cable Network, also known as the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB), aims to achieve the country's ICT vision.

The National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) is a critical infrastructure project in Tanzania designed to enhance digital connectivity and promote socio-economic development. 

The NICTBB provides high-speed broadband internet services across the country and connects Tanzania to neighboring countries and international submarine cables.

The backbone covers over 18,000 kilometers of fiber-optic cable throughout the country, linking major cities, towns, and rural areas. It also connects Tanzania to international cables like SEACOM and EASSy (Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System).

The backbone is managed and operated by Tanzania Telecommunications Company Ltd (TTCL) on behalf of the government, through the Ministry of Communication, Science, and Technology (MCST).

This infrastructure will enhance the use of ICT applications for sustainable socio-economic development, including e-government, e-learning, e-health, and e-commerce, both locally and globally.