08 August 2025
The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has formally released its Guidelines for the Provision of Direct-to-Mobile Phone Satellite Communication, marking Tanzania’s first comprehensive regulatory framework for delivering mobile services directly via satellite to standard handsets.
This development positions Tanzania among the early nations embracing this innovative technology, which aims to expand coverage in rural and underserved regions by integrating non-terrestrial networks (NTN) with existing terrestrial mobile infrastructure.
Issued in July 2025, the guidelines serve as an interim national framework while ongoing global discussions under Agenda Item 1.13 of the upcoming World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27) continue. Developed after extensive consultations with satellite network operators (SNOs) and mobile network operators (MNOs), the regulations address key issues such as spectrum management, interference mitigation, and operational partnerships.
Within the guidelines, SNOs are required to secure satellite landing rights from TCRA and establish formal agreements with licensed MNOs to deliver services. Satellite services must operate within licensed terrestrial IMT spectrum bands, with spectrum ownership and control remaining with the MNOs. Operators are mandated to identify and mitigate interference risks, especially near borders, and adhere to strict equivalent power flux density (epfd) limits to prevent harmful interference. Operators must submit quarterly reports to TCRA detailing user terminals, services provided, and coverage areas; and are prohibited from causing harmful interference and cannot claim protection from interference caused to other services.
TCRA emphasizes that these guidelines are designed to foster innovation, protect terrestrial networks, and position Tanzania for seamless integration of satellite-based mobile connectivity once international regulations are finalized. The full set of guidelines is available on the TCRA website, reflecting the country’s proactive approach to embracing next-generation communication technologies.
