Tanzania gears up for satellite communications
DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA has made significant strides toward launching its first communications satellite, with the development of a comprehensive radio spectrum strategy and newly issued guidelines for satellite technology.
As part of broader efforts to entre the space technology arena, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has released a 10-year strategy to guide the efficient, equitable and sustainable management of radio frequency spectrum in the country.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, TCRA Director General Dr Jabiri Bakari confirmed that operators intending to launch a satellite under the Tanzanian name are now required to submit formal requests for radio spectrum allocation to the Authority.
“The strategy not only focuses on efficient spectrum use but also aligns with emerging technologies such as 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart city infrastructure,” Dr Bakari said.
He said that technological evolution is reshaping the landscape of wireless communication, requiring regulators to anticipate and prepare for increasing demand for spectrum resources, particularly from IoT-driven services.
The IoT ecosystem includes billions of interconnected devices from smart sensors to connected appliances, set to revolutionise communication through automation, real-time analytics and remote monitoring.
According to TCRA’s June 2025 quarterly report, Tanzania currently has 1,083,355 SIM cards registered for machine-to-machine (M2M) communication and 91,652,443 SIM cards registered for interpersonal communication.
In March 2024, Tanzania had 929,683 active M2M SIM cards, reflecting the rapid growth in IoT applications across industries. Satellite communications promise to enhance connectivity in rural and hard-toreach areas, complementing terrestrial infrastructure and strengthening national broadcasting capacity.
An expert in satellite communication services, Dr Ubumi Bununu listed several benefits of satellite and broadcast technologies at a stakeholder session in Dar es Salaam.
ALSO READ: Tanzania set to own satellite after signing Outer Space Treaty
“Broadcasting connects people to timely information, entertainment and education. Its ability to reach large audiences efficiently makes it a powerful and cost-effective communication tool,” he said.
Dr Bununu added that satellite-enabled broadcasting empowers individuals and communities by delivering public service content, promoting businesses and improving access to information through radio, television and digital platforms.
“As broadcasting evolves with digital tools, communities benefit from improved quality, choice and inclusivity,” he added.
In May this year, the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Mr Jerry Silaa, announced in the National Assembly that Tanzania is preparing to ratify two key international treaties.
These are the 1967 Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space as well as the 1975 Convention on the Registration of Objects Launched into Outer Space.
These legal frameworks will support the country’s ambition to expand into space based communications and research.
The government has also revealed plans to develop a National Outer Space Strategy and establish a Tanzania Space Agency, further demonstrating its commitment to future space exploration and satellite deployment.
Tanzania secured its own orbital slot during the 2023 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, an essential milestone toward launching its first national satellite.
