Tanzania has installed high-speed internet on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, underpinning plans to improve connectivity in the world’s wildest areas.<\/p>\n
The project was carried out by the state-owned Tanzania Telecommunications Corporation. The corporation installed the broadband network at an altitude of 3,720 metres on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Tanzania’s information minister, Nape Nnauye, called the event historic and pledged that the 5,895-metre peak would have access to internet connectivity by the end of the year.<\/p>\n
“Previously, it was a bit dangerous for visitors and porters who had to operate without internet,” Nnauye said at the launch of the service, flanked by government officials and tourists.<\/p>\n
Mount Kilimanjaro is still an important source of income for tourism in Tanzania and neighboring Kenya. Every year about 35,000 people try to reach the summit.<\/p>\n
The latest move follows Tanzania’s government’s plans to build a cable car on the mountain’s south side, but the announcement infuriated mountaineers, expedition companies and environmentalists.<\/p>\n