True 4G is here

Smile Communications Tanzania (Smile TZ), a subsidiary of Smile Telecoms Holdings (herein after referred to as Smile), has launched the first commercial fourth-generation long-term evolution (4G LTE) broadband network in Tanzania.

In 2012, Smile began revolutionising communication in East Africa when it chose Tanzania as the first country in Africa in which to deploy its 4G LTE broadband network. After more than a year of extensive testing and valuable feedback provided by techno-savvy trial customers, Smile made its 4G LTE broadband network commercially available to its current customer base, which ranges from SMEs and households, to hotspots and individuals in Dar es Salaam. Smile 4G LTE is now commercially available across Dar es Salaam.

The Smile 4G LTE network uses the most advanced telecommunications technologies and standards available anywhere in the world, and will provide unparalleled speed, reliability, quality and ease-of-use.

4G LTE enables ultra-high-speed Internet access, accelerating broadband penetration and vastly improving the online experience. The 4G LTE standard is at the cutting-edge of mobile telecommunications. The inherently flexible and constantly evolving nature of 4G LTE guarantees it will remain the gold standard in mobile data and voice services for years to come.

According to Smile Group CEO Irene Charnley, the true benefits of 4G LTE lie in the radically improved user experience, and the ability of this global technology standard to enhance access to the most advanced form of communications while substantially reducing the costs of operations. "4G LTE is making the Internet come alive for our customers due to the quality of the user experience," says Charnley. "Surfing the Internet, downloading music and movies without buffering, communicating via HD voice or uninterrupted HD video calling - the Internet experience has become better, faster, easier and more reliable."

Fiona McGloin, Country Manager of Smile Tanzania, sees the introduction of 4G LTE as another major milestone in the development of East Africa and the continent as a whole. "Our experience in providing services to our customers over the past six months in Dar es Salaam has demonstrated that access to the best, most flexible, fastest technology anywhere in the world results in increased usage and demand for broadband," she says.

According to Charnley: "The introduction and accessibility of this ground-breaking 4G LTE technology will give impetus to Tanzanians and Tanzania to reach their full potential while simultaneously accelerating mobile broadband penetration across the continent, thereby boosting major economic activity. We've been waiting and hoping for the future. With 4G LTE, the future is here!"

Smile Communications already has a presence in five countries across Africa, including Tanzania.

"The company was founded on a simple vision - to provide affordable, high-quality and easy-to-use broadband Internet access and communication services to everyone across Africa, using low-cost and innovative business models and the latest technologies," says Charnley. "Today is a major milestone in making that vision a reality."

The Smile 4G LTE broadband network, which already covers Dar es Salaam, will be rolled out in phases across Tanzania over the next two years.

Customers wishing to join the Smile LTE experience can visit the Smile shops at Regent Business Park (Mikocheni), Viva Towers (Upanga) or Shamo Trade Tower & Shopping Center (Mbezi Beach). Smile kiosks are located at Shoprite Supermarket (Mlimani City Mall) and TSN Supermarkets (Bamaga, Upanga, Baraka Plaza, Tegeta). Customers can also visit the Smile Web site at www.smile.co.tz.

Interview of Daniel Jaeger, Vice-President of Alcatel-Lucent in Africa

Q - Smile has officially launched its 4G network in Tanzania. What was Alcatel-Lucent's role?
A - We are very pleased to work with Smile to build up this network, offering 4G LTE services in Africa. Alcatel-Lucent's LTE solution allows Smile to grow its business, and, at the same time, develop mobile broadband further in this economically burgeoning region.

Q - What is the importance of LTE in Africa?
A - We are convinced that LTE has the potential to transform economies and lives. New video and Internet-based services will connect people; they allow local businesses to communicate to a wider audience and in many more ways, which then allows them to open up new revenue streams. With the growing number of affordable smartphones and tablets on the market in Africa, more and more people are using them for access to social networking sites, Internet browsing and e-mail, online gaming and video viewing.

Q - Is this a special day for broadband in Africa?
A - Broadband has been there in various forms for some time now. What makes this a special day today is that we see Smile as the first Pan-African LTE operator - this is a great sign for the whole industry. We are convinced that LTE will play a great role in connecting Africans - in particular taking into consideration that not many African countries have a strong fixed network, LTE is the future for enabling broadband in Africa.

For more information on available data packages and pricing, please contact:

Fredrick Njoka
Public Relations Manager, Aggrey&Clifford
Tel: (+255) 772 13 13 67
E-mail:Fredrick.njoka@aggreyclifford.com

Santina Benson
Spokesperson, Smile Communications Tanzania
Tel:(+255) 784 665 668
E-mail: santina.benson@smilecoms.com

Smile Shop
Regent Business Park
172 Chwaku Street
Mikocheni
Dar es Salaam

(Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm).

Smile Web site: www.smile.co.tz
Facebook: Smile Communications Tanzania https://www.facebook.com/SmileComsTanzania
Twitter: @SmileComsTZ https://twitter.com/SmileComsTZ