Tanzania Issues Guidelines for Satellite Landing Rights Authoriation

The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has released a comprehensive framework detailing the process and guidelines for obtaining Satellite Landing Rights Authorisation within the United Republic of Tanzania. The guidelines, issued in July 2025, aim to provide clarity for foreign satellite operators seeking to offer satellite capacity over Tanzanian territory.

Scope of the Proposed Guidelines

The framework applies exclusively to communications satellite networks or systems and does not extend to non-communications satellites, such as those used for safety, meteorology, earth observation, radio astronomy, or space research, all of which are exempt from landing rights requirements under the ITU Radio Regulations. Furthermore, under the new rules, foreign satellite operators intending to sell satellite capacity to licensed operators in Tanzania must apply for authorisation. Applications can be submitted directly by the operator or through the notifying administration.

This does not permit direct service provision to end-users.

Notably, to secure authorisation, applicants are required to submit proof of licensing from their country of origin, coupled with evidence of compliance with International Telecommunication Union (ITU) coordination procedures or Advance Publication Information filings, and a duly completed application form. Additionally, authorised operators must maintain accurate and up-to-date technical and operational records, as well as a register of all licensed operators in Tanzania to whom satellite capacity is supplied.

Landing Rights Authorisation is subject to a fee as per the First Schedule of the Electronic and Postal Communications (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025. The fee applies per satellite network or system. The authorisation is valid for:

• Non-Geostationary Orbit (Non-GSO) systems: Five years or the satellite’s lifespan, whichever is shorter, renewable.
• Geostationary Orbit (GSO) systems: Fifteen years or the satellite’s lifespan, whichever is shorter, is renewable.

Click here to download the full document:“Guidelines for Satellite Landing Rights Authorisation in Tanzania Territory, 2025.”

Implications on Direct-To-Consumer Models

Under Tanzania’s new Satellite Landing Rights guidelines, foreign satellite operators may only sell capacity to licensed local providers and are prohibited from delivering services directly to end-users. Additionally, this wholesale-only framework means that foreign satellite operators, such as Starlink, which typically use a direct-to-consumer model, would not be permitted without securing an additional TCRA service provider licence.

In practice, this means operators must either partner with a licensed Tanzanian provider for resale or pursue full retail authorisation, which entails additional regulatory, tax, and consumer protection obligations. The approach reflects a wider regional policy preference for involving local operators to maintain market oversight and ensure economic benefits remain within the country.