TANZANIA is witnessing a sharp rise in fibre-optic internet adoption in homes and offices, signalling a decisive shift towards faster and more reliable digital connectivity.

New communications statistics released in December 2025 by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) show that subscriptions to fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) and fibre-to-the-office (FTTO) services have surged by between 157 and 217 per cent over the past two years.

According to TCRA director general, Dr Jabiri Bakari, FTTH and FTTO connections increased by 157 per cent, from 54,290 in March 2024 to 139,317 in December 2025. FTTH subscriptions alone rose by 150 per cent, climbing from 49,164 to 123,052 during the period, while FTTO connections grew by an even stronger 219 per cent, from 5,126 to 16,265.

Quarterly data further underlines the upward trend. Between September and December 2025, FTTH connections expanded by 16 per cent, rising from 106,166 to 123,052. Over the same period, FTTO subscriptions increased by 4 per cent, from 15,671 to 16,265.

Industry analysts attribute the growth to rising demand for high-speed, stable connectivity capable of supporting remote working, video conferencing, large data transfers and high-definition streaming across multiple devices.

Fibre technologies offer significantly improved reliability compared with traditional broadband, making them particularly attractive to businesses, professionals and modern households increasingly reliant on digital services.

The broader internet market has also continued to expand. Internet subscriptions grew by 3.2 per cent between September and December 2025, rising from 56.3 million to 58.1 million active subscriptions — defined as SIM cards and fixed lines that accessed internet services within the preceding three months.

Mobile devices dominate usage, accounting for approximately 99 per cent of all internet access nationwide.

Between 2021 and 2025, total internet subscriptions nearly doubled, increasing by 99.7 per cent from 29.1 million to 58.1 million. The most significant annual rise — 34 per cent — was recorded between 2023 and 2024, when subscriptions grew from 35.9 million to 48 million.

Internet penetration has reached 85.3 percent of the population, up from 49 percent in March 2021 and 82.6 per cent in September 2025, reflecting expanded infrastructure deployment and broader service accessibility.

The TCRA report highlights Tanzania’s broader transformation in information and communications technology (ICT) between 2021 and 2025. Infrastructure rollout in remote and underserved areas, alongside adoption of advanced technologies, has strengthened connectivity and digital inclusion.

Beyond internet services, the Authority recorded growth in local digital identity, with 36,223 domain names registered under Tanzania’s national domain, up from 35,621 in September 2025. TCRA plans to launch a nationwide awareness campaign to promote the benefits of using the “.tz” domain for websites and email services.

The findings also reflect broader expansion across the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, while documenting mixed performance in the postal segment.

With fibre subscriptions accelerating and mobile penetration nearing saturation, analysts say Tanzania’s next phase of digital growth will likely centre on quality of service, enterprise connectivity and deeper integration of digital tools across the economy.