Dr. Elicana Nduhuura

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.