UCC

Last evening, we held a high-level consultative meeting with Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to address the operation of unlicensed public Hotspots nationwide. We primarily focused on the widespread disruption caused by illegal public hotspot operations, market distortions, and the urgent need to safeguard the integrity of digital infrastructure. During extensive deliberations, licensed operators under the Internet Service Providers Association of Uganda (ISPAU), led by their chairman Godfrey Sserwamukoko, raised serious concerns about the proliferation of unauthorised public hotspots. It was highlighted that unauthorised entities purchase bulk high-speed fixed broadband, fibre-to-the-home, and fixed wireless access from licensed networks and illegally resell connectivity to the public without proper authorisation or tax compliance. We have noted that this practice creates unfair market competition, distorts pricing structures, and deprives the government of billions in revenue. Furthermore, they raised concerns about infrastructure safety, as unauthorised routers are frequently mounted on utility poles without commercial or safety approvals, posing serious risks, including electrocution and maintenance difficulties. The meeting acknowledged the complexities of the digital market and engaged in deep reflection on industry-wide compliance, consumer protection, and regulatory enforcement. Following rigorous discussions, the session reached agreement on critical aspects to govern the sector moving forward: 1. Addressing Illegality: There was an unequivocal consensus among all participants that unlicensed public Wi-Fi operations constitute an economic crime and a direct breach of the UCC Act, 2013. The meeting resolved that illegal operations must be systematically identified and halted to protect the formal telecommunications ecosystem. 2. Formalisation and Onboarding: We emphasised the need to establish a structured framework to integrate willing and eligible operators into the formal regulatory space. We are exploring robust onboarding guidelines, clear definitions of market activity, and fair compliance pathways to encourage legitimate business participation without compromising industry standards. 3. The discussions underscored the need for robust billing and subscription-tracking systems. We have agreed to optimise monitoring tools to accurately track data consumption, address pricing discrepancies and prevent market exploitation by unregulated resellers. 4. Enforcing Disconnection and Takedowns: To root out persistent non-compliance, members affirmed the implementation of strict enforcement measures. This includes the immediate identification and disabling of illegal network access points, the removal of unauthorised routers from public infrastructure, and active collaboration with authorities such as the Uganda Revenue Authority to block the importation of unverified equipment. While the transition requires a delicate, gradual balance to safeguard consumer access and market stability, decisive enforcement is non-negotiable. @UCC_Official remains committed to fostering a secure, competitive, and legally compliant digital environment that safeguards consumer rights, protects data privacy, and supports sustainable national development.

This morning, alongside the @UCC_Official Top Management Team, I chaired a comprehensive and productive meeting with several Hotspot/Wi-Fi operators. This engagement follows our previous discussions on enforcement actions against unauthorised internet operators and related regulatory compliance. During our interactions, several critical issues have been raised, and letters and complaints have been received that required a deeper, more objective regulatory review. True to our ethos of professional honesty and fair regulation, the Commission has taken time to thoroughly examine these concerns. We recognise that effective regulation must balance the public interest, which safeguards the foundational welfare of all citizens, with industry growth. Unchecked operations that bypass established public frameworks ultimately undermine the collective interest and harm the wider sector. Referring to the tragedy of the commons, it states, “If individuals act freely to pursue their self-interests, they end up destroying the shared resources, ultimately diminishing their own long-term interests too.” For example, overgrazing prevents the soil from regenerating, leading to a situation where there is nothing left to feed the cows. We remain committed to maintaining an environment in which the public interest is protected, ensuring that infrastructure development, public safety, and national revenue streams that support essential public services are preserved. We appreciate the constructive dialogue and insights shared by Wi-Fi operators today. Moving forward, we will continue to engage collaboratively with all stakeholders to address these challenges, refine our regulatory frameworks, and foster a sustainable, compliant, and thriving digital environment for all. We will issue a public notice on the matter before the end of this week.