Why Tanzania’s new satellite-to-phone guidelines could be a game changer

The rules aim to bridge the digital divide that has long left rural communities on the margins of digital inclusion.

The framework, approved by TCRA director general, Dr Jabiri Bakari, stresses that the authority is determined to “facilitate the deployment of direct-to-phone services while ensuring protection of terrestrial IMT networks.”

This step reflects Tanzania’s effort to balance innovation with the need to safeguard existing mobile infrastructure.

Under the guidelines, satellite network operators will not be permitted to work alone, rather, they are supposed to partner with licensed mobile network operators such as Vodacom, Airtel, or YAS.

 The partnerships are expected to clearly outline technical and commercial terms.

Spectrum ownership will remain with mobile operators, while any foreign satellite must secure TCRA landing rights before offering services locally.

In addition, providers will be required to submit quarterly reports detailing how many users are accessing the service, where they are located, and whether they use voice, SMS, or data.

Operators are also mandated to identify and mitigate interference risks, particularly along Tanzania’s borders.

New era of connectivity

For ordinary Tanzanians, experts say the guidelines mean a new era of connectivity is within reach.

In urban areas, direct-to-mobile satellite services could provide crucial backup during emergencies or disasters when terrestrial networks are disrupted.

For rural users, especially in villages where coverage has always been unreliable, this could be the breakthrough they have long awaited.

“With this development, even a farmer in a remote part of Kigoma or Lindi will be able to stay connected without climbing a hill to find a signal,” technology analyst Ms Neema Ndelwa told The Citizen on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

Globally, similar experiments are already underway. In the United States, companies such as SpaceX’s Starlink and AST SpaceMobile have teamed up with major carriers to test direct-to-smartphone connections.

Earlier this year, reports indicated that AT&T completed a two-way call using an ordinary handset connected to a satellite.

In India, telecom giants Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have turned to satellite technology to serve mountainous and rural communities.

In Australia, satellite-based mobile services are helping remote population access telemedicine, online banking, and education.

“These examples suggest that what TCRA has outlined is not just theoretical, it is practical and achievable,” said Ms Ndelwa.

The economic implications, according to experts, are significant.

Reliable connectivity is now central to business, education, health, and government services.

According to the World Bank, a 10 percent increase in broadband penetration can boost GDP growth by up to 1.5 percent.

For Tanzanian entrepreneurs, satellite connectivity could mean smoother mobile transactions even in areas where towers are down.

For students, it expands access to e-learning platforms, while for health workers in rural dispensaries, it could unlock telemedicine services.

“Satellite-to-phone services are not here to replace existing networks but to complement them,” aviation and telecoms expert, Mr Godfrey Moshi noted, adding that, “The goal is simple, no one should be left behind.”

Challenges ahead

Still, challenges remain. According to Ms Ndelwa, the cost of accessing these services is likely to be high in the early stages, particularly if operators treat them as premium offerings.

There are also concerns about potential interference with neighbouring countries, which TCRA has addressed by imposing strict technical limits for signal strength along the border areas.

The guidelines, she said, are transitional and will be updated in line with outcomes from the World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027, where global rules on satellite-to-mobile services will be debated.

Despite these hurdles, Tanzania’s move is timely. With mobile penetration growing and demand for data surging, the country cannot afford to leave millions disconnected.

The new guidelines show foresight by acknowledging global innovation while setting rules that protect national interests.

“If executed effectively, they could mark a turning point where Tanzanians in the most remote corners enjoy the same connectivity as those in Dar es Salaam or Arusha,” insisted Ms Ndelwa.

For businesses, farmers, students and health workers, this is more than a technical regulation, it is an opportunity to be part of a truly inclusive digital economy.