• TCRA Commits to Keeping Pace with Technological Advancements.

In a bid to ensure Tanzania remains at the forefront of the digital era, Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has reiterated its commitment to fulfilling its mandate by focusing on enhancing and advancing digital revolution, digital literacy and inclusion.

Marking the 46th anniversary of African Telecommunications Union (ATU) on December 7th, TCRA Director General Dr. Jabiri Bakari acknowledged Tanzania's significant progress in expanding access to telecommunications and ICT services. 

He reaffirmed TCRA's unwavering commitment to regulating the communications sector and enabling achievement of the Government's digital revolution goals.

"TCRA also facilitates inclusion of marginalized groups through enhanced SIM card registration processes where citizens are assured of registration to embrace digital services including mobile financial services,” insisted he. 

As of September 2023, Bakari said Tanzania had about 67.1 million active registered SIM Cards, thus comparing with a population of 61.7 million as per 2022 census, this makes the overall penetration of 109%, meaning that there are 109 subscriptions per 100 population (people) in Tanzania by September 2023.

The communication sector regulatory executive emphasized that this year's ATU theme, "Towards a Digital Revolution and Inclusion of the Marginalized: Addressing Accessibility Factors," underscores the importance of ensuring universal access to the benefits of the digital revolution and inclusion and TCRA as a member of ATU will remain firm to fulfilling its mandate to ensure citizens are well served with communication services.

" The industry has witnessed the growth of digital financial inclusion services. As of September 2023, the mobile money subscriptions had reached 51.4 million users constituting 76.6% of the total registered active SIM cards. The enhanced simcard registration processes has also added SIM Card Registration procedures for visitors with age above 65 years of age or with defective fingerprints that experience challenges when capturing the biometric information, procedures," he emphasised.

Enhanced Digital Literacy

Ensuring the youth's digital technology proficiency, DG Bakari envisioned "a future where no one is left behind," adding: “our vision extends beyond connectivity; it encompasses empowering individuals through digital literacy and skills development," Bakari explained. 

"We are spearheading the establishment of digital clubs in schools and colleges in collaboration with all stakeholders. These clubs will foster ICT awareness, cultivate opportunities for ICT skill development, promote responsible digital citizenship, and contribute to the advancement of digital Tanzania."

With regards to enhanced adaptation of instantaneous changing digital technologies landscapes the DG was optimistic that his regulatory body will not be left behind, so is Tanzania.

"TCRA understands the necessity of adapting to the emergence of new technologies in the sector such as 5G, artificial intelligence, internet of things, big data analytics and edge computing and therefore, creates an environment that fosters innovation while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards," he insisted.

The DG further discussed the release of the IMT multi-band frequency spectrum in the 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz,and 3500 MHz bands on 11th October 2022 through auctioning saying it has enabled service providers to broaden the communication services in the country, enabling the roll out of 5G technology services to different parts of Tanzania, enhancing penetration of latest digital communication technologies.

Established in 2003 under TCRA Act number 12, the Regulatory Authority is tasked with regulating the communications sector in Tanzania. Its purview encompasses telecommunications and internet services, broadcasting and online journalism, and postal services, including courier operators. Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, TCRA actively participates in various regional and international communication bodies, including ITU, ATU, PAPU, CTO, UPU, EACO, and CRASA to ensure it collaborates to develop and implement regional and international sector regulatory frameworks, ensuring that Tanzania remains at the forefront of communications advancements through TCRA's technical representation.