Vodacom Tanzania recently addressed a series of service disruptions that affected some customers, attributing these issues to a major overhaul of its Charging system. Recognizing the inconvenience caused, the company emphasized that this extensive upgrade aims to strengthen its infrastructure and enable a seamless experience for users.
The Charging System, a sophisticated networking standard, is designed to integrate with mobile telecom systems to deliver an array of products and value-added services that enhance connectivity and user satisfaction.
According to Vodacom Tanzania, the timing for this upgrade is strategic and rooted in the necessity of modernizing its technological base to keep pace with emerging technologies such as Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The company made a significant shift from the Online Charging System (OCS) to the more advanced Converged Charging System (CCS), representing a step forward in embracing newer, more efficient technology.
The company stated that this change would allow it to maintain a future-ready infrastructure that could respond to rapid advancements and deliver increasingly sophisticated experiences for users.
Vodacom Tanzania has made considerable investments this year in its network and IT to strengthen and expand its coverage and resilience nationwide.
These investments include various initiatives, such as the deployment of new network sites, enhanced 4G coverage, increased network capacity, expanded data capabilities and modernize IT and Payment systems—all aimed at supporting the growing demand for fast and reliable connectivity across Tanzania.
In collaboration with the Universal Communication Service Access Fund (UCSAF), Vodacom Tanzania reported that it has established 251 new network sites across the country, with 220 sites already operational. This expansion includes improvements to over 23 sites in Zanzibar, extending coverage to remote and underserved areas.
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In addition, Vodacom has been aggressively expanding its 4G network with plans for 467 new 4G sites, of which 290 are already live. This rollout is integral to Vodacom’s mission of supporting Tanzania’s digital transformation efforts, enabling improved internet access for various uses, such as e-commerce, education, and public services.
The company also noted a significant expansion in capacity across 580 of its 610 existing sites, leveraging newly acquired spectrum from Smile to accommodate increasing customer demands.
For end-users, this expansion means fewer network slowdowns and a more robust connection for data-intensive activities, from streaming and real-time communication to business applications.
Furthermore, Vodacom Tanzania has strengthened its data infrastructure by adding 20 Gbps to the National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) and an additional 20 Gbps on the 2Africa submarine cable. This data expansion is expected to provide faster, more consistent internet speeds, benefiting users across Tanzania who rely on high-capacity data services.
The company’s commitment to network enhancement is also reflected in its expansion of fiber infrastructure, which now covers 41% of its network and includes over 2,700 kilometers of fiber across major urban centers.
New fiber routes between Morogoro and Ifakara, Rombo and Moshi, and Sirari and Mwanza have reduced network congestion and improved stability, offering customers a more reliable and high-speed experience.
On the IT and Business support systems, we have completed the upgrade to our charging system as well as the loyalty system, leveraging on modern architecture, using cloud computing capabilities of containerization and microservices, which ensures high availability and enhanced resilience to our systems to ensure improved customer experience.
In the second half of the financial year, we will embark on modernizing our payment system (M-Pesa) to the same advanced technology architecture which ensures a modern and resilient future of our financial services.
Philip Besiimire, Vodacom Tanzania’s Managing Director, highlighted the company’s commitment to modernization, stating, “We are modernizing our Technology infrastructure for a better Vodacom experience.
At Vodacom, we are committed to leading in innovation and continuously improving the quality of services we provide. To stay at the cutting edge of technology and offer our customers the best possible experience, we are investing in significant infrastructure upgrades across our network.”
Besiimire acknowledged the complex nature of these upgrades, which may lead to occasional disruptions as the new systems are integrated.
“We apologize for any inconvenience and assure you that we are working diligently to keep disruptions to a minimum. This exercise is planned to conclude in a few weeks after which we expect a stronger, more resilient network to benefit all our customers,” he added.
Vodacom Tanzania has committed to keeping customers updated throughout this transition, utilizing its website, SMS notifications, and social media platforms to provide regular updates.
Customer service teams are also available to answer inquiries and offer support, ensuring that Vodacom users remain informed and assisted during the upgrade.
As Vodacom Tanzania undertakes these significant infrastructure improvements, the company expressed gratitude for customers’ patience and understanding, underscoring its dedication to building a more connected, resilient future for all Tanzanians.
The company’s investment in a more advanced, secure, and expansive network aims to deliver a high-quality experience today while preparing Tanzania for the demands of tomorrow’s digital landscape.