MWE Correspondent
The fast-growing spread of fibre-optic cables across Dar es Salaam is transforming how residents connect to the internet, but it is also raising new questions about urban planning, infrastructure coordination, and the visual future of Tanzania’s commercial capital.
Across once-quiet residential streets in Masaki, Mikocheni, Kijitonyama and Kinondoni, rows of newly installed poles now carry thick bundles of fibre-optic cables, reflecting the city’s accelerating transition to high-speed internet. What was rare just a few years ago has quickly become a defining feature of many neighborhoods.
A recent survey of several streets revealed a striking pattern: in some areas, more than five separate poles stand side by side, each installed by different service providers. Instead of sharing infrastructure, companies have often built their own independent lines, creating what residents describe as a “forest of poles.”
For many residents, the change has been both exciting and unsettling.
On one hand, faster internet has opened doors to remote work, digital businesses, online education, and global communication. On the other hand, the rapid and sometimes uncoordinated installation of poles has begun to affect the appearance of neighborhoods long known for their orderly streets.
Urban planners warn that without proper coordination, the situation could worsen as demand continues to grow.
“This is a sign of progress, but progress must be managed,” said one planning expert familiar with the developments. “If every provider installs its own poles without sharing, the long-term impact on the city’s environment and infrastructure could be significant.”
The surge reflects a major national shift toward fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) and fibre-to-the-office connections, which offer faster and more reliable internet than traditional copper-based systems. According to recent communications data, fibre subscriptions in homes and offices have increased dramatically over the past two years, in some cases more than doubling.
This trend mirrors broader digital growth across Tanzania, where rising internet access is fueling economic transformation, innovation, and new opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
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However, the expansion is also raising regulatory questions. Telecommunications rules encourage infrastructure sharing to reduce duplication, lower costs, and minimize environmental and visual impact. Experts say stronger enforcement of telecommunications regulations could help balance growth with sustainability.
Residents, meanwhile, are divided. Some welcome the improvements, saying reliable internet is essential in today’s world. Others worry that poor planning could reduce property values and damage the character of their communities.
Despite the concerns, few expect the expansion to slow down. Demand for fast internet continues to rise as businesses digitize services and more people depend on online platforms for daily life.
City authorities and regulators now face the challenge of managing that growth responsibly — ensuring that technological progress does not come at the expense of urban order.
For Dar es Salaam, the fibre boom represents both a milestone and a test: a milestone in its digital evolution, and a test of whether rapid modernization can be matched with careful planning.
