Will Tanzania agree to Starlink Internet Service?

Will Tanzania agree to Starlink Internet Service?

Starlink World Internet Service Provider 

Starlink using a SpaceX  satellite internet constellation has been providing internet connectivity using thousands of satellites in space that communicate with designated ground transceivers.

It is on those grounds that those who support it believe that its presence will strengthen Tanzania’s position in the digital economy and provide universal access to the internet and other technologies.

The Tanzania government has announced that it wants SpaceX owner Elon Musk, to meet all requirements before it is allowed to roll out in Tanzania, with the initial deployment date set to be within the first quarter of 2023.

There is still hope that the government actually intends to let Starlink, the world-famous internet service provider, operate in the country.

However, the public back and forth between Starlink owner Elon Musk and authorities over permits risks tarnishing the country’s image as an investment destination of choice. Tanzania has an active policy of attracting and facilitating investments to the extent of offering incentives.

In fact the policy gives strategic investments special attention. Starlink is a strategic investment. We are not vouching any incentives for Starlink but it is our view that the government should meet Elon Musk halfway in his intention to start providing internet services in the country. As a country we have everything to gain.

Proper Procedures

Dr Jabiri Bakari Director General of Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA)

The Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority (TCRA) director general, Dr Jabiri Bakari, told the media this week that like any other company, Starlink needed to follow the proper procedures before being issued with an operating licence.

He said Starlink’s application involves several issues that must be met before a licence is issued.

“You know, Starlink’s satellite internet involves much more issues than the way it is portrayed on social media platforms. It involves different particulars that need different requirements from the regulator in line with the type of licence being applied for,” he said without detailing what the requirements are.

He said being the regulator, TCRA wants businesses to do business, and therefore, Starlink was only required to do its homework and complete the requirements to proceed with its plans.

Minister for Information, Communications and Information Technology Nape Nnauye wrote earlier on his twitter page that the government had already replied to the Starlink Company and what they needed to do is make all the necessary documents intact so that other procedures could follow.

“We received the applications on October 6 last year. A number of issues are pending following our last meeting on January 27, 2023,” he tweeted.

Replying to Mr Musk’s tweet, he said: “You will recall that you were supposed to submit the required documents to process the application according to the laws and procedures of this land. We are waiting and ready.”

In his tweet, Mr Musk said: “We would love to (operate in Tanzania). We are just waiting for the government’s approval.”

The business tycoon was responding to Mr Mike Coudrey, big entrepreneur and investor in the US, who is among those who are pushing for Starlink.

Mr Coudrey, who has a particular interest in Africa, especially Tanzania, tweeted: “Make Starlink available in Eastern Africa, specifically Tanzania so people can have a higher access to information and build a better future.”

However, he said the lobbyists and major internet and phone providers are doing all they can to hinder Starlink’s approval because that would mean consumers would switch to the better service.

“Rather than improving their own services, they will try to inhibit new availability in the market,” he expressed his worries.

Efforts to get comments from mobile operators went futile, as until The Citizen went to press, the questions sent to them were not answered.

Another Twitter user, Mr Curtis Martin, called on Mr Nnauye and his team to do a cost-benefit analysis to understand how they could accommodate this opportunity. “You look at it, this impacts the tax that these companies are paying with solutions in place. The tax that services people every day,” Mr Martin responded to Mr Coudrey.

Mr Given Edward was also quick to tweet: “The government is very keen on pushing for technology growth. I am sure they are on top of it, working to bring this to the market.”

Communications expert and media personality Maria Sarungi said in her Twitter account that they were suffering from government censorship and ridiculous internet taxes—anything to keep people in the dark.

“Tanzania needs unfettered internet access so that we could have our Twitter spaces without hitches,” tweeted Ms Sarungi.

On their official website, Starlink announced their plan to introduce the services between January and March this year, depending on regulatory approval.

Starlink good news for Tanzania

Government reaffirms commitment to increase users of internet

Internet users in Tanzania still believe that Starlink internet service provision capabilities will give Tanzania’s digital economy the much needed boost. Data providers currently operating in the country have done a tremendous job, their investments are worthwhile and are still very much needed. But the country cannot pass over this opportunity to have reliable internet services for any reason whatsoever.

The competition from Starlink must be taken by local internet providers as an opportunity to innovate, to improve services and expand coverage in areas where the American firm might not reach. As per its commercial strategies Starlink has a tendency to focus on major cities and towns.

Starlink’s high up-front equipment fees and the fact that its internet offers more data, faster speeds and fewer data limitations makes it more ideal to businesses operating multiple devices. The fact that it charges no cancellation fees means that customers can switch to other providers whenever it suits their demands.

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Tanzania's opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy
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Tanzania’s opposition party ACT Wazalendo honours veteran politician under new policy

Unguja. Opposition party ACT Wazalendo today officially bids farewell to its former Chairman, Juma Duni Haji, also known as Babu Duni, as part of a new policy designed to honor retired senior leaders at a ceremony held at Kiembesamaki, Zanzibar.

The initiative highlights the party’s commitment to recognizing and supporting individuals who have served with dedication and integrity.

Babu Duni, who stepped down earlier this year, was succeeded by Othman Masoud, now the First Vice President of Zanzibar.

The policy aims to provide ongoing respect and support to retired leaders, ensuring their continued recognition and contribution to the party’s development.

“Recognizing their significant contributions to the development and prosperity of the party, this policy ensures that retired leaders continue to be acknowledged and respected by both the party and the community,” the policy states.

To benefit from this policy, leaders must not have left or been expelled from the party. They must have served the party with honor and dedication. The national leadership committee will determine whether a leader has fulfilled these criteria.

The policy seeks to honor retired leaders, protect their dignity, acknowledge their contributions, leverage their ideas for the party’s growth, and support them to the best of the party’s ability.

In honoring these leaders, the party will provide a vehicle, the type of which will be determined by the national leadership committee. Additionally, they will receive a monthly allowance, with the amount also set by this committee.

Other benefits include health insurance. If a leader does not own a home, the party will cover their rent at a rate decided by the committee.

The leadership committee may also grant special recognition based on the leader’s contributions. Retired leaders will participate in decision-making meetings according to procedures outlined in the party’s constitution.

Depending on the party’s resources at the time, the policy may also apply to retired deputy chairpersons for both the mainland and Zanzibar, the Secretary-General, Deputy Secretary-General for both mainland and Zanzibar, and the party’s Attorney General.

Additionally, leaders, executives, or members with exceptional contributions to the party’s protection, advocacy, and defense may also benefit, as determined by the leadership committee.

Currently, those who are eligible for benefits under this policy include Juma Duni Haji (retired party Chairman) and Zitto Kabwe (retired party leader).Continue Reading