By Ben Musanje
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has temporarily suspended enforcement of its directive against illegal public Wi-Fi hotspot operators, signaling a shift from an immediate crackdown to dialogue after operators raised concerns over the impact on their businesses and customers.
The decision followed a meeting between UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo and members of the Alliance of Hotspot Operators Uganda, who paid a courtesy call on him at the Commission’s headquarters in Bugoloobi on Thursday in response to UCC’s recent advisory targeting unlicensed Wi-Fi hotspot operations.
During the meeting, the operators expressed fears that the enforcement campaign would threaten the livelihoods of thousands of hotspot entrepreneurs while disrupting internet access for customers who rely on affordable public Wi-Fi services.
Thembo acknowledged the role hotspot operators have played in expanding internet access across Uganda, describing them as innovators who had challenged traditional models of internet service delivery by reaching communities and customers through new approaches.
However, he stressed that innovation must operate within the country’s legal and regulatory framework. He emphasized that while the operators had demonstrated remarkable innovation in expanding internet access, compliance with the law remained essential to protect consumers and the licensed telecommunications networks on which their businesses depend.
In a significant concession, Thembo suspended enforcement of the regulatory directive and pledged to convene a multi-stakeholder dialogue aimed at developing a balanced solution that protects consumers while preserving business opportunities for hotspot operators.
The development marks a softer approach by the regulator, which earlier this week announced a nationwide enforcement campaign against illegal public Wi-Fi operators, warning that unlicensed internet services expose users to cybersecurity threats, data privacy risks and unreliable connectivity.
The campaign, to be conducted jointly with licensed internet service providers (ISPs), district local governments and other government agencies, was intended to target businesses and individuals operating public Wi-Fi hotspots without licences required under the Uganda Communications Act.
According to UCC, investigations had established that many operators had installed telecommunications equipment and were offering internet services without authorisation, bypassing licensing requirements designed to ensure service quality, consumer protection and cybersecurity compliance.
The Commission said licensed internet service provision extends beyond obtaining permission to operate, requiring providers to meet quality-of-service standards, protect customer data, provide customer support and comply with national cybersecurity regulations.
It further warned that operators who bypass the licensing process expose internet users to unreliable services, potential data privacy violations, cyber threats and limited avenues for redress when complaints arise.
Uganda’s demand for affordable internet has grown rapidly over the past decade, fuelled by expanding fibre-optic infrastructure, wider 4G coverage and increasing smartphone ownership. Public Wi-Fi hotspots have become an essential source of connectivity in trading centres, universities, restaurants, hotels and other public spaces, particularly for users seeking lower-cost alternatives to mobile data.
The suspension of enforcement is expected to provide temporary relief to hotspot operators while consultations take place. The planned stakeholder dialogue is expected to bring together regulators, licensed ISPs, hotspot operators and other industry players to develop a regulatory framework that balances innovation, consumer protection and fair competition.
The outcome of the talks could shape the future of Uganda’s rapidly growing public Wi-Fi sector and determine how small internet entrepreneurs can operate legally while supporting the country’s digital transformation agenda. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
