The military-run telecom group Viettel plans to commence construction of a new third-generation (3G) mobile phone network in Tanzania this November with services expected to begin by July 2015.

Viettel announced its plan during Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete‘s recent visit to Vietnam to promote technology enhancement in the East Africa nation.

“Viettel is elated to have received final approval for the project to construct its second overseas 3G mobile phone network,” Viettel Director General Nguyen Manh Hung said.

At a reception for President Kikwete at Viettel group’s headquarters in Hanoi, General Director of Viettel Global Tao Duc Thang briefed the President on its business strategy for developing the Tanzanian market and asked for his support.

Over the past decade, the telecom industry in Tanzania has developed strongly. Currently there are roughly 28.88 million mobile subscribers out of a total population of 45 million, representing market penetration of 64%.

VOV/VNN