Internet Atop Mount Kilimanjaro Tanzania is connecting Africa's highest mountain to the internet, a boost to its tourism sector
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Khanyisa Stengile, aka Steng photographed atop Mount Kilimanjaro. Image from Twitter @fatcats_ac
Tanzania’s state-owned telecommunications company is setting up high-speed internet connectivity on the foothills of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
Through a nationwide broadband project, internet access on the mountain is anticipated to reach Uhuru summit, which is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. The project is expected to complete this October, giving over 50000 hikers who attempt to summit the mountain annually access to the internet and network for the first time.
The initiative to bring internet connection to Mount Kilimanjaro was unveiled on Tuesday by the information minister, Nape Nnauye. Tourists would soon be able to speak with anyone in the world from the top of the mountain, he said. Mount Kilimanjaro is one of Africa’s top and Tanzania’s famous tourist destinations.
Prior to this project, all network connection terminates at the foothills of the peak at roughly 1,860m, depriving hikers of the mountain of communication.
Tanzania’s economy is based heavily on tourism, which accounts for 18% of the country’s GDP. Revenues totaled $1.4 billion (£1.1 billion) last year.
