TCRA warns unauthorized communication service providers
DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has issued a stern warning to the public, urging strict compliance with regulations to deter unlicensed provision of communication services.
Such services, according to the regulator, are cybersecurity, internet services, and data center facilities within the United Republic of Tanzania.
In an official statement released on Thursday, Director General of TCRA, Dr Jabiri Bakari, underscored the gravity of providing such services without a valid license issued by the regulatory body.
He labelled the tendency of providing communication services as a direct infringement of Section 14 of the Electronic and Postal Communications Act of 2010 (EPOCA), explicitly prohibiting individuals, institutions, or companies from offering such services without the requisite licensing from TCRA.
TCRA, unwavering in its commitment to upholding the integrity and legality of communication services in the country, emphasized the crucial importance of adhering to regulatory guidelines and laws.
The announcement also cautioned the public against utilisation of such services including online security services, internet services, and data storage facilities, provided by entities lacking the necessary TCRA-issued licenses.
To reinforce its stance, the regulatory authority declared its intention to take legal action against any individual, institution, or company found in violation of regulations by providing communication services without the requisite TCRA license.
“TCRA will continue overseeing compliance in the communications sector, and measures will be taken against any person, firm, or company found providing unlicensed services in the United Republic of Tanzania,” affirmed Bakari.
The regulator’s stern warning categorically identified cybersecurity services, internet, and data center services as among those not to be offered to the public by any operator without acquiring a TCRA-issued license.
“The general public is reminded to avoid using communication services, including cybersecurity services, internet, and data center services, provided by a person, firm, or company that does not hold a valid license issued by TCRA according to the law,” cautioned Bakari.
Joel Mwanakatwe, a resident of the city and communications stakeholder, expressed support for TCRA’s proactive stance, stating that this move signifies TCRA’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of the public and preserving the integrity of communication services in the United Republic of Tanzania.
According to the Electronic and Postal Communications Act of 2010, the communications sector regulator is empowered with the authority to issue, extend, and recall communications sector licenses as well as to enforce license conditions against scrupulous service providers and bring to book whoever providing communications services without acquiring a valid license issued by it.
As part of its on-going efforts, TCRA actively encourages the public to contribute to a regulated and lawful communication environment by refraining from engaging with unlicensed service providers.
This not only ensures the security of individuals but also supports TCRA’s overarching mission to uphold the highest standards of communication services in the country.
