TCRA to auction frequencies to accelerate digital economy

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has announced plans to auction new communication frequencies in July this year, a regulatory move expected to fast-track the country’s agenda of building a digital economy.

The auction will involve four frequency blocks in the 3600–3800 MHz band, which are earmarked for enhancing mobile and high-speed internet infrastructure, according to TCRA director general, Dr Jabiri Bakari.

Dr Bakari highlighted that the utilisation of the frequencies would spur economic development by bolstering the quality and reach of communication services across Tanzania.

“These allocated frequencies will enable the growth of all sectors,” he said.

“They will support social and economic activities such as education, healthcare, agriculture, business, and financial services through Information and Communication Technology (ICT),” he added.

The government aims to increase broadband coverage from 45 percent in 2020 to 80 percent by 2025, while the number of internet users is projected to rise from 43 percent in 2020 to 80 percent in the same period.

Dr Bakari added that the auction is expected to broaden communication access to underserved areas, improving connectivity for public facilities such as hospitals, educational institutions, and transport hubs, with a goal to have 40 percent of public spaces equipped with broadband services by 2025.

“Through the effective use of these frequencies, the communication sector will make a more significant contribution to the national GDP by increasing ICT adoption in economic activities,” he noted.

The auction will also support the government’s objectives to encourage innovation in ICT services and systems, enabling greater transparency, efficiency, and socio-economic improvements.

TCRA plans to publish a draft information document on the competitive allocation process in February. The auction process will engage stakeholders and adhere to an outlined schedule running from February to June.

This will be TCRA’s third frequency auction and the second managed entirely by its internal team, following the successful October 2022 auction where 11 frequency blocks across various bands, including 700 MHz and 3500 MHz, were allocated.

“The frequencies are highly sought after by service providers due to their speed and efficiency,” Dr Bakari said, pointing out that previous auctions followed international standards from the planning stage to the final allocation of frequencies.

The initiative aligns with Tanzania’s broader goals of enhancing ICT infrastructure to support social and economic growth, positioning the country as a regional leader in the digital economy.