However, the Tanzanian government has noted that Starlink must fulfill the remaining prerequisites for internet companies before being allowed to operate in the country.
Dr Jabiri Bakari, director general of the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA), told Tanzanian news publication, The Citizen, yesterday that Starlink, like other companies, must follow due process before being awarded an operational licence.
He said Starlink’s application contained several difficulties that needed to be resolved before issuing a license.
“You know, the Starlink satellite Internet includes more problems than the way it is portrayed on social media platforms. It includes various details that require different requirements from the regulator corresponding to the type of license applied,” the director stated.
Based on a tweet by Tanzania’s Minister of Information, Communications and Information Technology Nape Nnauye, which read, “We received the application on October 6 last year. Some issues were pending after the last meeting on January 27, 2023. The government has responded to the Starlink Company, and all that remains for them is to complete the important documentation so that the subsequent procedures can continue.
This follows Elon Musk’s tweet which reads; “We would love to (operate in Tanzania). We are just waiting for approval from the government.
Based on current information, the Starlink that is already operational in Nigeria costs $600, and the monthly subscription is $43. These costs are steeper than those used in the country, but Starlink promises fast access even in the most remote areas.
Experts note that Starlink’s performance in Africa will depend heavily on affordability linked to user experience.
Analysts expect that Starlink services will be available in Tanzania during the first quarter of 2023, with the development increasing the digital economy.
With the service, two users will share the same infrastructure in space with a $99 installation kit, which is available for deposit through the website.