Mozambique Telecommunications Licensing Regulation 2026: New Class Based System Under Decree No. 36/2026

Mozambique has formally updated its regulatory framework for the telecommunications sector. Under Decree No. 36/2026, of 16 July 2026, the government approved a new Regulation on the Licensing of Telecommunications and Scarce Resources, replacing the licensing regime previously established by Decree No. 26/2017, of 30 June. The reform is issued by the Council of Ministers and administered by Mozambique's telecommunications regulator, the National Communications Institute of Mozambique (INCM).

The revised framework modernizes how telecommunications licences, spectrum, and numbering resources are allocated, renewed, transferred, suspended, and revoked. It also introduces, for the first time in a consolidated form, specific licensing pathways for satellite radiocommunication services and broadcasting.

Overview of the Mozambique Telecommunications Licensing Regulation

The core objective of the Mozambique telecommunications licensing regulation is to simplify and unify how licences are classified and processed, while giving the regulator more flexible tools to manage scarce resources such as spectrum and numbering. The new decree systemizes the licensing regime into two main categories: unified licences and class licences, each tied to a defined operating area ranging from municipal to international scope.

This shift toward a class based structure is intended to reduce administrative friction for smaller or geographically limited operators, while preserving a more rigorous process for large scale, long duration licences.

Key Changes Introduced by Decree No. 36/2026

Licensing timelines and licence classes

• Class licences are, in general, to be granted within 15 days of an application being submitted.

• Class A and Class B licences are valid for 15 years.

• Class C licences are valid for 5 years and, notably, do not require submission of a technical project a simplification aimed at lowering entry barriers for smaller scale operators.

  
  

Spectrum leasing and sharing

The regulation introduces new provisions governing radio frequency spectrum leasing and sharing. This includes rules for:

• Spectrum use during technology testing;

• Network capacity expansion; and

• Deployment of new telecommunications or radiocommunication networks.

  
  

Satellite and broadcasting licensing

For the first time, the framework sets out specific licensing provisions for satellite radiocommunication services and broadcasting, reflecting the growing role of satellite connectivity and converged media services in Mozambique's communications landscape.

Numbering, renewal, transfer, suspension and revocation

The decree also establishes clearer rules concerning:

• Numbering resources allocation and management;

• Licence renewal and transfer procedures; and

• Conditions for licence suspension and revocation.

  
  

Regulatory fines and universal service obligations

In certain cases, regulatory fines may now be converted into universal service obligations, channeling penalties toward expanding access to communications services in underserved areas an approach that ties enforcement more directly to Mozambique's digital inclusion goals.

What This Means for Manufacturers

For equipment manufacturers, network vendors, and satellite hardware suppliers targeting the Mozambican market, Decree No. 36/2026 has several practical implications:

• Faster market entry for compliant operators: With class licences generally processed within 15 days, manufacturers supplying operators seeking Class A, B, or C licences may see shorter lead times between licence approval and equipment deployment.

• New satellite equipment pathway: Manufacturers of satellite radiocommunication equipment now have a defined licensing route for their operator customers, which should reduce regulatory uncertainty around satellite ground segment and terminal deployments.

• Spectrum-sharing opportunities: The new spectrum leasing and sharing provisions may open opportunities for manufacturers supporting shared-infrastructure and dynamic spectrum access technologies, particularly for network capacity expansion and technology trials.

• Simplified requirements for smaller deployments: Because Class C licences no longer require a technical project submission, manufacturers supplying smaller or localized network equipment may face a lighter documentation burden when supporting operator clients through the licensing process.

• Alignment with technology testing rules: Manufacturers running pilot deployments or technology trials in Mozambique should review the new spectrum-for-testing provisions, as these may streamline temporary spectrum access for trial equipment.

  
  

Certification Impact Summary

Area	Prior Regime (Decree No. 26/2017)	New Regime (Decree No. 36/2026)
Licensing structure	Single licensing regime	Unified licences and class licences (Class A, B, C)
Class C technical project	Generally required	Not required
Licence validity (Class A/B)	Not class-differentiated	15 years
Licence validity (Class C)	Not class-differentiated	5 years
Standard processing time	Not standardized at 15 days	Generally 15 days for class licences
Satellite services licensing	No dedicated framework	Specific licensing provisions introduced
Broadcasting licensing	Limited framework	Specific licensing provisions introduced
Spectrum leasing/sharing	Not explicitly regulated	New dedicated rules
Fines-to-universal-service conversion	Not provided	Permitted in certain cases

Operators and manufacturers with existing licences or certifications issued under Decree No. 26/2017 should confirm with INCM whether transitional provisions apply, and whether existing authorizations need to be reclassified under the new class system.

Timeline and Required Actions

16 July 2026 Decree No. 36/2026 formally approved, repealing Decree No. 26/2017.

Immediate actions for operators and manufacturers:

1. Review current licence status against the new class categories (unified licence, Class A, B, or C) to determine which classification applies going forward.

2. Assess technical project requirements — confirm whether existing or planned Class C applications can proceed without a technical project submission.

3. Audit spectrum usage agreements, particularly for any technology testing, capacity expansion, or new network deployments that may now fall under the new leasing and sharing rules.

4. Evaluate satellite and broadcasting activities against the newly introduced dedicated licensing provisions, especially for entities planning to launch or expand satellite radiocommunication or broadcasting services in Mozambique.

5. Check outstanding regulatory fees or fines for potential conversion into universal service obligations, and clarify implications with INCM.

6. Update compliance and reporting processes to align with the renewal, transfer, suspension, and revocation rules under the new framework.

   
   

Businesses without a clear internal owner for regulatory tracking should engage local legal counsel or a regulatory affairs specialist in Mozambique to confirm application deadlines and any operator specific transitional requirements, as these are typically set by INCM through subsequent implementing guidance.

Decree No. 36/2026 represents a significant modernization of Mozambique's telecommunications licensing framework. By introducing a class based system, faster processing timelines, and dedicated rules for spectrum, satellite, and broadcasting services, the regulation gives both established operators and new market entrants as well as the manufacturers that supply them a clearer and more predictable path for entering and expanding in the Mozambican telecommunications market.

Operators, manufacturers, and other covered entities should review their regulatory compliance processes now to ensure alignment with the new licensing requirements, operational obligations, and reporting duties introduced under this decree.