Tanzania gets nod to expand spectrum for faster internet

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s quest to shift to faster communications received a boost after a global meeting allocated the country with higher frequency scope.

The World Radio Communication Conference (WRC-23) held in Dubai last month allowed Tanzania to expand the spectrum scope to the range of 3,600-3,800 megahertz (MHz) used for high-speed internet services and mobile communications.

The allocation will enable the support of 5G and cloud connectivity, further improving internet speeds, expanding mobile network coverage and stimulating economic growth through innovation and productivity fuelled by digital communication technologies, according to Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA) director general Jabiri Bakari.

“The allocation of 3,600-3,800 MHz will enable the use of 5G technology and further improve the internet speed, expand the mobile network and stimulate economic growth through innovation and productivity” he said in a statement.

“We have obtained these frequencies under Resolution No. 559 of the International Conference on Telecommunications Frequency Planning held in 2019 (Resolution 559 WRC-19). This is an important step as it will enable the telecommunications sector to reach our citizens easily and at reduce costs,” Dr Bakari added.

Last year, TCRA auctioned the spectrum to local telecommunication companies which acquired 11 spectrum blocks worth $187.5 million in total.

Vodacom, Tigo, Airtel and Halotel said the multi-band frequencies ranging from 700MHz to 3,500MHz would increase internet speed, reduce operating cost, serve more Tanzanians and accelerate digital inclusion.

During WRC-23, Tanzanian delegation of experts, led by the Minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Mr Nape Nnauye, attended.
Dr Bakari added that Tanzania’s success in securing the frequencies and space on the satellite orbit paves way for better communication and modern technology.

“We have already trained our experts on how to manage this new area of satellite infrastructure.”

The conference also discussed on how to protect the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) that is the conduit for broadcasting services, especially television, to unreachable areas, especially the rural areas.

“These systems are important because they enable our citizens to enjoy quality broadcasting services and, can reach  more citizens. The technology continues to be used along with other technologies,” said Dr Bakari.
Commenting on the move, independent communications expert, Mr Yahaya Mohammed, said Tanzania’s plan to adopt satellite technology is commendable and signals a new beginning to further develop the communications sector.

“Let me congratulate the government for these important steps to fight for our position as a country in the communication space. This is a revolution.

“Satellite is a communication infrastructure that has existed for several decades, and we have to congratulate ourselves to for making it there,” Mr Mohammed said.

A communications expert from the Saint Augustine University of Tanzania, Dr Francis Ng’atigwa, also praised Tanzania’s satellite endeavours.

“This is the time for our country to show that we can be ahead in technologically. Satellite is an important tool for more reliable communication and has been used for a long time in the world.”