As Tanzania pursues its ambition of becoming a competitive, middle income digital economy under Vision 2050, the country cannot afford to delay decisions that could significantly accelerate connectivity, innovation and economic growth. One such opportunity is allowing Starlink to provide high speed internet services in the country.
Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury. It is essential infrastructure, just like roads, electricity and water. Yet many parts of the country particularly remote villages, islands, wildlife conservation areas and sparsely populated regions, remain underserved. It is estimated that about 30 per cent of Tanzania’s combined land and water area lacks reliable internet coverage.
Extending fibre-optic cables and constructing mobile towers in these underserved areas is prohibitively expensive. Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite network could help bridge this digital divide by providing high-speed broadband virtually anywhere with a clear view of the sky.
The benefits of Starlink establishing operations in Tanzania would extend far beyond faster internet browsing. Farmers would gain access to real-time market information, weather forecasts and digital financial services. Schools in rural areas could access online educational resources and virtual classrooms. Tourism operators in remote national parks and game reserves would also benefit from dependable connectivity, improving visitor experiences and operational efficiency.
The business community also stands to gain enormously. Small enterprises in rural Tanzania would be able to participate more effectively in e-commerce, digital banking and international trade.
Investors increasingly regard digital infrastructure as a critical factor when choosing investment destinations.
Starlink’s presence in the country would send a strong signal that Tanzania is committed to embracing emerging technologies and creating a business-friendly environment.
Some people have argued that Starlink should not be licensed to operate in Tanzania because it could affect the viability of existing mobile network operators that have invested heavily in the country. This view is misplaced.
Starlink should not be regarded as a replacement for existing mobile network operators. Rather, it would complement terrestrial networks by serving areas where conventional infrastructure is commercially uneconomic to deploy. Even where competition emerges, it should be viewed positively as a means of encouraging innovation, improving service quality and ultimately reducing costs for consumers and businesses alike.
Sadly, Starlink’s application, submitted in September 2022, has still not been approved, reportedly because the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority is working through several outstanding regulatory issues before a licence can be granted.
Let us be honest: Does the TCRA really need nearly four years to consider these regulatory issues? Rwanda reportedly took about one month to issue Starlink with the necessary operating and commercial licences, while Botswana and Ghana took approximately four months.
Tanzania has made remarkable progress in expanding fibre-optic infrastructure and mobile broadband over the past decade. Approving Starlink would build upon, rather than undermine, these achievements by filling the remaining connectivity gaps and strengthening the country’s digital resilience.
The world is moving rapidly towards digital economies powered by universal internet access. Every month of delay represents missed opportunities in education, healthcare, investment, entrepreneurship and public-service delivery.
By swiftly concluding the outstanding licensing and regulatory matters, Tanzania can unlock new possibilities for inclusive growth. The opportunity is before us; the time to act is now.
