African operator Smile Telecom has launched 4G LTE service in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania in the 800 MHz frequency band. Alcatel-Lucent is supplying LTE network to enable the delivery of fast mobile broadband services.

Following a limited pilot launch in April, 4G LTE services have been rolled out by Smile in several districts of Dar es Salaam, including Mikocheni, Massani Peninsula, Oysterbay and Sinza. Smile plans to extend coverage through Tanzania in 2012, followed by the launch of similar services in the other three countries where Smile currently operates.

"Smile is constantly introducing new innovations to expand the range of services we can offer our customers. There is huge demand for Internet connectivity in Tanzania and working with Alcatel-Lucent we are able to provide our customers with faster, better quality connections, resulting in ever more compelling services to satisfy their demands." Tom Allen, Chief Operating Officer of Smile.

According to Alcatel-Lucent, Smile’s core platform is to be integrated with Alcatel-Lucent’s network equipment operating in the 800 MHz frequency, which will result in lower capital costs to rollout because it is already in commercial service in Europe.