Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, is one step closer to launching operations in Tanzania. The company’s local entity, Starlink Satellite Tanzania Limited, has submitted applications for the necessary licenses to the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).
The November 15, 2024, public notice confirms that Starlink has applied for national network facilities and application services licenses. This development aligns with Starlink’s efforts to provide satellite-based internet services in the country, particularly in regions underserved by traditional internet infrastructure.
Regulatory Framework and Challenges
Starlink’s entry into Tanzania has been long-anticipated but has faced several hurdles. Negotiations on spectrum rights and compliance with Tanzania’s data protection laws are central to the licensing process. In its public notice, the TCR emphasised that any operations must adhere to the country’s regulatory framework, including data security and internet governance standards.
To ensure transparency, the TCRA has opened a 14-day public consultation period for stakeholders to comment or raise concerns about Starlink’s license applications. The consultation period offers public scrutiny, with a final decision on the approval expected after the window closes.
Starlink’s Growing African Presence
Starlink’s application in Tanzania aligns with its broader strategy to expand across Africa, targeting countries with limited conventional internet infrastructure. This move follows licensing activities in other African markets, including Chad, which recently granted Starlink operational rights, and Morocco, where the company is pursuing regulatory approval.
The introduction of Starlink’s services in Tanzania could address significant gaps in connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas where access to reliable internet has historically been a challenge.
Source: https://spaceinafrica.com/2024/11/16/starlink-applies-for-licenses-to-operate-in-tanzania/
