We promote Safety in Communication Services, says TCRA

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) has underscored the need for care and vigilance when using mobile phone communication services.

Speaking as part of Public Awareness at the on-going 47th International Trade Fare at the Mwalimu Nyerere Grounds in Dar es Salaam on Monday, the TCRA Head of Consumer Affairs Mr Thadayo Ringo, said that the regulatory authority is providing awareness education to users of communication services in the telecom, internet, broadcasting, and postal sectors.

Speaking to The Citizen, Mr. Thadayo Ringo, who heads the consumers and customers section at TCRA, emphasized the importance of vigilance among users of mobile communication services.

He urged users not to cooperate with fraudsters who attempt to deceive them into making unaccounted payments.

"For users of mobile communication services, I strongly advise you to stop cooperating with fraudsters who call your phone numbers demanding payment in exchange for unaccounted for services," Ringo said. "Please do not entertain such calls and immediately report any suspicious numbers to 15040."

He further alerted users to be wary of fraudulent broadcasted short messages, "Messages like 'ile hela Tuma kwenye namba hii; usipige spika mbovu!!' should also be reported to the same number, 15040, which is a free service," he emphasised.

In addition to safeguarding users, Mr. Ringo addressed communication service providers and aspiring investors in the sector, encouraging them to utilize TCRA's Tanzanite Portal - an improved license application system.

Moreover, Mr. Ringo advised individuals who encounter the loss of communication gadgets to report such incidents promptly to the nearest Police station. By providing essential identification details, such as the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) for mobile phones, the Police can effectively assist in addressing theft cases.

Regarding service challenges, Mr. Ringo underscored the significance of direct communication with service providers.

“If you encounter any challenges with your communication services, your first priority should be to communicate with your service provider. We at TCRA's Customer and Consumer Desk ensure that consumers are served based on the details of unfinished issues from the service provider's end. This is where we bridge the gap between the user and the service provider through established mechanisms, including a legally established complaints committee,” he added.

As a culmination of TCRA's efforts to improve communication services, Mr. Ringo emphasized that the authority has implemented a robust feedback mechanism for managing feedback from communication stakeholders. This mechanism ensures a collaborative and responsive approach to meeting user needs while keeping abreast of the interests of all stakeholders, which include consumers and service providers. In TCRA's perspective, these stakeholders are categorised as consumer and customer.

Speaking earlier at the pavilion, the TCRA's Board Chairman, Engineer Othman Sharif Khatib, expressed TCRA’s determination to effectively implement its strategic plan goals that include providing stakeholders with education to keep them informed about their rights and obligations.

"We firmly believe that raising awareness is crucial for enhancing our regulatory responsibilities towards the services we oversee and deliver to our stakeholders. As a result, the communication landscape will continue to flourish," remarked the chairman.