On Wednesday, 27th March 2024, the ICT Parliamentary Committee of Uganda visited the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) headquarters in Dar es Salaam for a familiarization and learning visit. The purpose of the visit was to acquaint themselves with the regulatory mechanisms of the communications sector in Tanzania.

The committee comprising of 15 members including representatives from the National Information Technology Authority - Uganda (NITA-U), was well represented and headed by the Chairperson, Honorable Tony Ayoo (MP).

The committee members had the opportunity to learn how TCRA serves various stakeholders in the communications sector, including licensees, users of communication services, and both public and private sector stakeholders. The honorable members were also briefed on how the Tanzanian communications regulatory body executes its mandate in regulating the internet, telecommunications, broadcasting, postal, and courier services.

The Acting Director-General of TCRA, John Daffa, extended a warm welcome to the honorable Members of Parliament and provided them with a comprehensive overview of the TCRA's roles and responsibilities, as well as its contributions to overseeing the country's communications sector.

Daffa elucidated, "Our responsibility entails the efficient management of all communication-related services in the information and communication technology ecosystem, aiming to significantly contribute to our nation's development."

The committee acquired understanding of the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority's (TCRA) operational framework in executing its responsibilities. This includes the administration of vital communication resources such as communication spectrum frequencies, numbering resources, the national .tz domain, and the comprehensive database of addresses and postal codes. Additionally, the Ugandan Parliamentary ICT Committee was invited to explore the communications museum established by TCRA.

"We are truly delighted to have visited, and the manner in which we were received speaks volumes about your hospitality. Frankly speaking, we have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge regarding communications," commented Honorable Tumwine Anna Mary.

In addition, they gained insights into enhancements in the process of issuing communication licenses, now accessible online through Tanzanite portal on the TCRA website.

“We have introduced an online licensing system that simplifies the acquisition of licenses for new applicants and reduces the challenges of license application for investors and license and certificates seekers; these improvements have significantly enhanced the management of communications in the country,” he detailed.

Regarding the availability of communication technology, Daffa clarified that TCRA ensures citizens have access to fast and high-quality communication services. He mentioned the availability of mobile communication technology at 98% for 2G, 86% for 3G, 79% for 4G, and 10% for 5G technology, promising an assured penetration of telephony communications in majority areas in the country.

Members of the committee from Uganda congratulated TCRA and the Ministry of ICT, asking questions after the presentation to learn more about the management of broadcasting frequencies, management of the national .tz domain, digital radio broadcasting, and how Tanzania is enabling youth participation in the digital economy.

In response to the honorable MPs, the Acting Director General of TCRA explained that TCRA has established a regulatory framework that enhances the management of telecommunication, internet, broadcasting, and postal services which can be regulated seamlessly. Regarding digital radio broadcasting, he noted that TCRA is preparing a guideline that will enable Tanzania to start using Digital Sound Broadcasting technology ‘very soon’.

“We thank you, TCRA, for clearly elucidating the matters which my colleagues, honorable MPs, asked about. We have been well familiarised with matters in the sector, with the hope that it will help to improve ours back home,” appreciated Committee Chairman Honorable Tony Ayoo.

The three-day visit by Ugandan parliamentarians to Tanzania was designed to enrich their understanding of the communications sector, with the goal of gathering insights and best practices that could inform proposals for enhancing similar areas in Uganda.