Overview
The National ICT Broadband Backbone (NICTBB) is a government-owned fiber optic network in Tanzania, designed to enhance the country’s ICT infrastructure. Spanning approximately 7,910 kilometers, it connects all regions within Tanzania and extends cross-border connectivity to neighboring countries, including Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi.
Managed by the Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation Limited (TTCL) on behalf of the government, NICTBB aims to improve access to high-speed internet services, thereby supporting e-government, e-learning, e-health, and e-commerce initiatives.
In recent years, the Tanzanian government has undertaken projects to expand and enhance the NICTBB network. For instance, in 2024, TTCL planned to connect the final 33 districts to the NICTBB, aiming to provide internet and voice services directly via the backbone cable.
Overall, NICTBB plays a crucial role in bridging the digital divide in Tanzania, promoting socio-economic development through improved ICT connectivity.