TCRA suspends three online TV channels pending regulations

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has directed Michuzi TV, AYO TV and Global TV to stop online broadcasting as the authority was still preparing regulations for digital television.

A letter signed on January 30 by TCRA chief director James Kilaba directs digital stations, which are much loved in and outside the country, to forthwith stop providing TV services online.

"According to section 13(1) of the Electronic and Postal Communications Act (Cap 306), Tanzania’s laws require providers of all such services to obtain permits from TCRA," the letter reads.

The owners of online digital services Mr Millard Ayo, Mr Ankal Issa Michuzi and Mr Abdallah Mrisho, said they had been shocked by the sudden order at the time even such regulations had not been put in place.              

"Global TV is ready even today to complete procedures of registration – had they been there – since they are still incomplete to be enacted. We request to be given ample time, while under supervision as we await such new regulations to take effect," Mr Mrisho, the general manager of Global Publishers, said.

Mr Michuzi and Mr Ayo echoed Mr Mrisho’s statement and the trio requested to have an audience with the TCRA chief director so that they could present their applications for the permission of continuing to temporarily provide such services, while waiting for the regulations. 

However, Mr Kilaba is on safari and the issue will be solved, when he is back next week.

"Since we have been providing this service for a long time and it is not known when such regulations will be ready, we request TCRA to see what it can do so that the audience that greatly depends on us should not miss this service," Mr Michuzi said.

However, the three online digital stations will continue providing their services out of the process of online TV.