DAR ES SALAAM, Dec 10 (NNN-DAILYNEWS) — The Tanzanian government has finally installed internet services on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro as the country marked its 61st independence anniversary on Friday.
The internet services on the top roof were installed for the first time in August this year at Horombo area, 3,720 metres above the sea level, but this time the internet has been installed on the roof of Africa with the slogan ‘Data Kileleni’ which aims to further promote tourism at and around Mount Kilimanjaro.
Inaugurating the internet services at Marangu gate in Moshi District, Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Nape Nnauye said that Tanzania has set a new record in Africa by fixing internet services at 5,895 metres highest peak.
He said benefits of installing the internet services have started to be realised, as it has simplified work, ease tourists communication and increasing internet users at the park.
“On December 13 this year while at Uhuru Peak we want to break the world record by speaking to the world while at the highest peak, telling them the Mt Kilimanjaro is the roof of Africa… we intend to talk to some leaders from neibouring countries,” he said.
The minister commended Tanzania Telecommunications Company (TTCL) for bringing a new look at the Africa’s highest peak.
He said TTCL has succeeded in building internet communication infrastructure from Marangu to Mandara 9.5 Kilometres, Marangu to Horombo 13 kilometres, Horombo to Kibo 14 kilometres, Kibo to Uhuru 5.2 kilometers, Kibo to Barafu 3 kilometres, making the total of 44.7 kilometres.
“After establishing the first phase of internet services on Mount Kilimanjaro on August 16 this year, there has been an increase in the number of internet users, including tourists, porters and other stakeholders who enjoy the service while on the mountain by communicating with relatives and friends,” he said.
TTCL Director General, Engineer Peter Ulanga said that the innovation demonstrates Tanzanians’ potentials to do great things that affect the world positively.
“These services that we deliver to Mount Kilimanjaro are great success which show how this country has made progress in using the backbone of the nation and using digital technologies,” said Eng Ulanga.
“I am very confident that where we are, we have the ability to tell Tanzania and the world that the TTCL is capable of changing the entire face of communication sector in our country,” he said.
On his part, the Director of Information Services and Chief Government Spokesperson, Mr Gerson Msigwa said the ministry’s goals are to promote the use of information technology where the government is implementing a strategy to ensure 80 per cent of citizens are digitally connected by 2025.
“The digital revolution that occurred today has resulted from the strategic communication infrastructure, the national communication backbone that led the speed and quality of communication, including the Internet, where its needs have increased.” — NNN-DAILYNEWS
