TCRA talks tough on unlicensed communications services

Dr Jabiri Bakari, TCRA director general underscored the gravity of providing such services without a valid license issued by the regulatory body.

“This action is considered a direct infringement of Section 14 of the Electronic and Postal Communications Act of 2010 (EPOCA) which explicitly prohibits individuals, institutions or companies from offering these services without the requisite licensing from TCRA,” he said in a statement released in Dar es Salaam yesterday.

TCRA emphasized the importance of adhering to regulatory guidelines and laws, cautioning Tanzanians against utilizing communication services such as online security services, internet services and data storage facilities provided without necessary TCRA-issued licenses.

The authority declared its intention to take legal action against any individual, institution or company found in violation of regulations by providing communication services without license.

TCRA encourages the public to contribute to a regulated and lawful communication environment by refraining from engaging with unlicensed service providers. This not only ensures the security of individuals but also supports TCRA's overarching mission to uphold the highest standards of communication services in the country.

"TCRA will continue overseeing compliance in the communications sector, and measures will be taken against any person, firm or company found providing unlicensed services in the United Republic of Tanzania," affirmed Bakari.

The regulator's warning categorically identified cyber security services, internet and data centre services as among those not to be offered to the public by any operator without acquiring license.

"The general public is reminded to avoid using communication services, including cybersecurity services, internet and data centre services provided by a person, firm, or company that does not hold a valid license issued by TCRA according to the law," reads the statement.

Joel Mwanakatwe, a communications stakeholder based in Dar es Salaam, supported TCRA's position, saying that the move signifies the regulator's intention to safeguard the interests of the public.

According to the Electronic and Postal Communications Act of 2010, the communications sector regulator is empowered with the authority to issue, extend and recall communications licenses as well as to enforce license conditions against service providers and bring to book whoever provides communications services without acquiring a valid license.