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By Mulengera Reporters
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has defended its regulation of commercial Wi-Fi hotspots, arguing that low internet prices offered by unauthorised resellers do not necessarily reflect the full cost of providing a compliant service.
Ibrahim Bbosa, UCC Head of Public and International Relations, said licensed telecommunications operators incur expenses associated with infrastructure, maintenance, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance, which may not be reflected in the prices charged by informal internet resellers.
In a video interview explaining the commission’s position on Wi-Fi hotspot regulation, Bbosa said some operators buy internet bundles from established providers and resell the connectivity to customers at lower prices without obtaining the necessary authorisation.
He said such arrangements could create competition concerns for licensed internet service providers, which are required to meet regulatory obligations.
Bbosa cited the historical cost of one gigabyte of data, saying it stood at approximately Shs450,000 in 2013/2014 before falling to about Shs5,200 several years later and around Shs2,000 in the more recent period he discussed.
He said UCC conducts periodic cost studies to assess the costs associated with providing communications services and has a mandate to address excessive pricing within the applicable legal framework.
However, he cautioned against treating cheaper internet as an automatic indication of better service.
According to Bbosa, authorised providers must meet standards that include maintaining networks, addressing cybersecurity risks and establishing mechanisms for resolving customer complaints.
He argued that operators who sell internet without meeting comparable obligations may have lower operating costs, creating challenges for businesses that comply with the regulations.
The debate follows UCC’s crackdown on unauthorised Wi-Fi hotspots. On October 13, 2026, Executive Director George William Nyombi Thembo announced a seven-day ultimatum for operators to voluntarily remove their routers and related equipment or risk seizure and destruction.
The commission has since begun reviewing its enforcement actions following complaints from hotspot and Wi-Fi providers, with a public notice expected before the end of the week.
The enforcement measures have brought the affordability of internet access into focus, particularly for customers who depend on low-cost connectivity for education, work and small businesses.
While UCC says regulation is necessary to maintain standards and ensure fair competition, the review could clarify how the requirements will be implemented and what options will be available to small-scale operators seeking to formalise their businesses.
The key challenge remains balancing regulatory compliance with the need to maintain access to affordable internet services for Ugandans. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
