Tanzania Establishes National Guidelines for Straight-to-Device Satellite Communication
In a significant step towards bridging coverage gaps in rural and underserved areas, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has officially issued Guidelines for the Provision of Direct-to-Mobile Phone Satellite Communication. These guidelines, published in July 2025, operate as an interim national framework until the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27).
The guidelines aim to regulate the integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) with terrestrial mobile networks, a growing technological trend. The TCRA's regulatory framework for Direct-to-Mobile Satellite Communication includes licensing, operational responsibilities, technical requirements, and consumer protection measures specifically for operators providing direct-to-mobile satellite services.
The guidelines also reflect updates aligned with broader telecommunications regulatory amendments in Tanzania introduced in 2025, ensuring clarity on spectrum use, service quality, and network interoperability.
On a global level, the integration of NTNs with terrestrial mobile networks is under active discussion, standardization, and technological development. The 3GPP organization has significantly advanced NTN standards, enabling satellites equipped with full base station functionality to communicate directly with terrestrial mobile devices. These advances support satellite constellations and High Altitude Platform Systems to become integral parts of 5G Advanced and future 6G mobile architectures.
In the broader industry landscape, satellite IoT over NTN using NB-IoT extended for satellite use is commercially deployed by operators. Proprietary and open NTN solutions are being commercialized to enable sensor networks, industrial monitoring, and extending cellular coverage in remote or disaster-affected zones.
The evolution of NTN is aligned with global 6G research projects aimed at fully integrating NTNs as a complementary dimension to terrestrial 6G networks, enhancing connectivity worldwide.
Key provisions of the guidelines include the requirement for Satellite Network Operators (SNOs) to obtain satellite landing rights from TCRA and enter into formal agreements with licensed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). Operators must identify and mitigate interference risks, especially near borders, and comply with strict equivalent power flux density (epfd) limits.
This is Tanzania's first clear regulatory framework for delivering mobile services via satellite to standard handsets. The technology promises to provide mobile services directly to standard handsets without the need for terrestrial infrastructure. The guidelines support innovation, safeguard terrestrial networks, and prepare Tanzania for the seamless integration of satellite-based mobile connectivity once international rules are finalized.
The use of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) is intended to improve mobile coverage in Tanzania. The guidelines were developed through extensive consultations with both Satellite Network Operators (SNOs) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). The full guidelines can be accessed on the TCRA website.
By adopting this emerging technology for mobile communication, Tanzania positions itself among the early adopters of satellite technology for mobile communication. The guidelines establish a regulatory framework for the provision of direct-to-mobile phone satellite communication in Tanzania, operating as an interim national framework until the World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 (WRC-27).
- By adopting the technology for mobile communication, Tanzania is not only improving mobile coverage in rural and underserved areas but also positioning itself as a pioneer in the utilization of satellite technology, especially in direct-to-mobile phone satellite communication.
- The 3GPP organization's advancements in NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) standards, such as equipping satellites with full base station functionality to communicate directly with terrestrial mobile devices, align closely with TCRA's regulatory framework for direct-to-mobile satellite communication in Tanzania.
