The Development of Tanzania’s National Broadband Backbone

The National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) was established by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania as a strategic national infrastructure initiative to strengthen broadband connectivity, support digital transformation and enhance Tanzania’s role in regional communications. Implementation of NICTBB began in phases from 2009, with the objective of deploying a high-capacity fibre optic backbone capable of connecting regions, major cities, districts, government institutions, operators, businesses and strategic national infrastructure. Over the years, the backbone has expanded across the country and has become a critical platform for delivering wholesale connectivity services to licensed operators, internet service providers, regional carriers and other strategic customers. NICTBB also plays an important role in regional connectivity by linking Tanzania to neighbouring countries and facilitating access to submarine cable systems landing in Dar es Salaam. This has strengthened Tanzania’s position as a regional connectivity hub and supported the growth of national, cross-border and international digital services. Today, NICTBB is operated by Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation (TTCL) and continues to support national broadband expansion, cross-border interconnection, service reliability, digital inclusion and the development of Tanzania’s digital economy.