TCRA Facilitates Communications Services Licence Application Process in Tanzania

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has reached a significant achievement with the completion of the Tanzanite Portal system. This marks a milestone and introduces a new era of streamlined services for communication service providers.The Tanzanite Portal is an innovative platform that seamlessly integrates communication service providers of different sizes and scopes across Tanzania. This integration is designed to enhance operational efficiency and foster a more open and transparent user experience for all involved.

Dr. Jabiri Bakari, the Director General of TCRA, highlighted the revolutionary impact of the Tanzanite Portal system in a statement released in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.The Tanzanite Portal empowers TCRA to provide unparalleled customer service by integrating communication service applications and services, offering a comprehensive range of services with simplicity and user-friendliness," said Dr. Bakari.

Dr. Bakari noted that this state-of-the-art regulatory system significantly improves the registration processes for communication products and services. This includes facilitating the issuance of communication sector licenses across various subsector categories such as Telecommunication, Internet, Postal, and Broadcasting.

Additionally, the system has been enhanced to streamline fee payment procedures, manage customer-regulator feedback, and conduct Know Your Customer administrative procedures, among other essential attributes.

"The system represents a transformative shift, and we are confident that it will enhance the delivery of regulatory services, ensuring our stakeholders feel well-served," he added.Dr. Bakari highlighted the improved customer experience, emphasizing a single application window for all license types, certification of electronic devices, a robust residential address database, and a dedicated service desk for handling customer complaints.

The Tanzanite Portal allows for the submission of license applications without the necessity for physical visits to TCRA offices, marking a significant advancement in convenience," highlighted Dr. Bakari.

The Director General stressed that the Tanzanite Portal plays a crucial role in facilitating efficient planning, allocation, and tracking of postal codes for residential addresses. It not only manages customer feedback but also provides licensed service providers with essential regulatory information, streamlining interactions and ensuring prompt responses.

He further emphasized that the system promotes a heightened level of transparency and accountability within the regulatory environment.Dr. Bakari underscored the system's significance in simplifying the approval process for electronic devices (Online Type Approval). Notably, citizens and communication license holders can now verify the legitimacy of services using a mobile phone through the USSD code *150*52#, ensuring control over unauthorized communication service providers.

Stakeholders in the communication sector, including online news content providers and installers of electronic communication devices, have expressed commendation for TCRA's forward-thinking approach.

Lucas Masanja, a communication service provider with operations in Dar es Salaam and Mbeya, particularly commended the platform for its remarkable capability in alleviating the inconvenience associated with license application and renewal. He emphasized that this streamlined process would significantly enhance the efficiency of license-related procedures.

Chalila Kibuda, an online content stakeholder and journalist, praised TCRA's commitment to positive reforms, expressing optimism about the platform's potential to substantially aid online journalists in acquiring licenses and essential information.

Mr. Kibuda anticipates that this initiative will play a crucial role in facilitating a smoother and more accessible licensing process, ultimately benefiting the broader landscape of online journalism.

These updates were shared during routine press briefings by the regulatory DG, who has established a practice of quarterly briefings for journalists regarding sector trends, providing them with up-to-date sector performance reports that are simultaneously accessible on the regulator's websites.