The partial privatisation of TTCL began on 23 February 2001, with Celtel International (previously known as MSI Cellular) headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, together with the German firm Detecon, obtained 35% shares from the Government of Tanzania.

In February 2007, shareholders awarded a Canadian firm, SaskTel, a three-year executive management contract to lead a technology, financial, operational and cultural transformation of TTCL.

The contract required the new senior management team to improve the long term competitive position of TTCL and grow its customer and revenue sources.

From the 2005 agreement Celtel and TTCL were considered separate legal entities and therefore, Zain had no direct control over the companies operations.

Similarly on 8 June 2010, Bharti Airtel struck a deal to purchase of mobile operations in 15 African countries from Zain and inherited the stake.

[10] In February 2016, Bharti Airtel owner of 35 percent stake in the state telecom company agreed to sell its shares back to the government for TSh 14 billion.

In 2001 the government of Tanzania sold 35% stake in the company and in 2016 to protect the firm, repurchased the stock to regain 100 percent ownership.

Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited also manages and operates offices and engineering departments in all regions and major towns in the country.