By Guest Writer
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) today met with members of the Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) as part of ongoing efforts to address the operation of unlicensed public WiFi hotspots across the country.
The meeting follows earlier engagements with the group and public notices issued by the Commission on the matter. It also follows last week’s press conference at which UCC, in collaboration with licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs), operators and relevant government agencies, announced targeted enforcement against illegal public WiFi service providers.
During the press conference, the Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, committed to engaging WiFi hotspot operators to explore possible avenues for regularising their businesses within the law.
At today’s meeting, the Executive Director announced the formation of a multi-stakeholder committee to examine possible licensing arrangements for WiFi hotspot resellers, with a view to identifying a lawful framework under which eligible operators can continue doing business.
The Executive Director also announced a registration exercise for all WiFi hotspot resellers to establish their number, locations, equipment types and other relevant operational details. The exercise will help the Commission better understand the nature and scale of the businesses and inform further regulatory engagement.
On the previously communicated compliance deadline, the Executive Director noted that the Commission could not extend or legitimise unlawful operations but would allow the ongoing discussions an opportunity to explore possible solutions.
Speaking on behalf of the WiFi hotspot providers, KACITA Chairperson Issa Ssekito read a statement, requesting a suspension of the enforcement deadline to allow time for consultations. They also appealed to UCC to provide guidance on the appropriate licence or regulatory arrangement through which they could bring their businesses into compliance.
The enforcement measures and ongoing engagements are intended to ensure that all providers of public internet services operate within Uganda’s established legal and regulatory framework and meet the required standards of accountability, service quality and reliability. The objective is to promote fair competition, protect consumers and foster a safe and reliable digital environment for users. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
