Tanzania opens first-ever communication device testing lab

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has established a specialized laboratory for device testing sample models before they enter the market.

Tanzania becomes the 12th country in Africa to have such a facility and the first in East and Central Africa.

The communication device testing lab evaluates the performance and reliability of telecommunications equipment like phones, routers, and modems to ensure functionality and adherence to industry standards to ensure that users remain safe and are not exposed to harm.

That was revealed on Saturday, March 14, by the Parliamentary Committee for Infrastructure, which visited the laboratory at TCRA to learn about its operations and its significance in protecting consumer health.

Committee Chairman Mr Moshi Kakoso said members were satisfied with the government's investment in the facility but pointed out areas that need improvement and emphasized that TCRA should provide education to citizens so they can identify whether the devices they purchase are safe.

Additionally, the government has been advised to integrate the systems of TCRA and the Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS) within the communication sector to regulate the importation of unsafe communication devices.

Mr. Kakoso further stated that the government and TCRA should leverage this laboratory to offer services to neighboring countries that lack such facilities, thereby generating revenue and promoting the laboratory's capabilities.

“Essentially, the committee is pleased with this investment, which aims to improve the health of Tanzanians. The key priority now is for TCRA to promote it and educate the public on identifying safe communication devices,” he said.

For her part, Deputy Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Ms Maryprisca Mahundi, highlighted the significance of the laboratory, stating that this laboratory confirms Tanzania’s entry into the digital revolution because all communication devices are tested to ensure they do not pose harm to users.

“The government has decided to invest in this facility and will continue enhancing oversight to identify those importing substandard communication devices. We also welcome other countries to visit and learn how this laboratory operates,” she said.

She noted that the laboratory presents a unique opportunity for Tanzania, as the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) has already urged its member states to establish agreements on equipment testing in countries with such facilities.

“The establishment of this laboratory is a crucial step in our country’s efforts to ensure that communication devices used in Tanzania are safe for users and networks,” she added.

TCRA director general Dr Jabiri Bakari explained that communication devices, especially mobile phones, come into direct contact with the body and emit high levels of electrical energy. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that their quality meets internationally accepted standards.

Another critical aspect is verifying that each communication device functions according to established standards to prevent interference with other devices and the surrounding environment.

“Every time we conduct a test, we publish the results on our website to indicate whether the device is safe. Since we began testing last year, we have already tested 148 models,” he said.

According to him, “As we enter the era of the digital economy, the need for high-quality, standardized, and safe electronic communication devices is more important than ever.”