Mobile network operator Vodacom Tanzania plans to invest TZS250 billion (USD159.1 million) in 2013, to
build on the gains made this year. According to its chief executive officer
Rene Meza, Vodacom Tanzania achieved 20% growth in FY2012 – despite strong competition – to
retain its leading position in the market; TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database
reports it had a 37.0% market share at end-September, ahead of second-placed
Airtel with 32.0%.
Going forward, Meza says the new investment will be
targeted at expanding its 2G and 3G network reach, increasing data download
speeds and improving network clarity. The latest expansion will also result in
the hiring of 300 new members of staff to augment the 500 permanent employees
it already has.
Last month Vodacom Tanzania announced that the
number of people signed up to its mobile money service M-PESA has passed the
4.4 million mark, representing around 48% of its total subscriber base in the
country.
The service, which allows users with a recognised ID card to
deposit, withdraw, and transfer money easily through a mobile device, is seeing
strong growth. In February this year Vodacom confirmed that the number of
M-PESA users stood at 2.7 million users – or 23.4% of the base. At the time
Rene Meza said: ‘about TZS35 billion is transacted daily through
M-PESA and attributed this to the fact that the service is safe and reliable
and is available throughout the country.’
Telegeography.com