Gambia Cracks Down on Unauthorised Internet Resellers and Wi-Fi Hotspots

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA)  of The Gambia has issued a regulatory compliance and enforcement notice targeting unauthorised Wi-Fi hotspot operators and internet resellers across the country.

In the notice dated May 12, 2026, Public Utilities Regulatory Authority said the provision of public internet services without proper authorisation is unlawful under the country’s Information and Communications Act, 2009, and the PURA Act, 2001.

The regulator stated that any person or entity operating Wi-Fi hotspot services, internet resale businesses, or other forms of public internet access must obtain the appropriate licence, permit, or authorisation from the Authority before offering such services.

According to PURA, the notice follows an earlier registration and regularisation exercise conducted between January 1 and March 3, 2026, which was intended to give hotspot operators an opportunity to formalise their operations. While some operators complied, the Authority said many continue to operate without authorisation or without adequately disclosing their operational arrangements.

PURA has now directed all unauthorised operators to immediately cease operations or regularise their services within seven days from the date of the notice.

As part of the regularisation process, operators are required to submit details including business identity and contact information, physical operating locations, descriptions of services provided, source of internet connectivity, infrastructure and equipment deployed, pricing structures, and estimated customer numbers.

The Authority warned that failure to comply will trigger nationwide enforcement operations conducted under the PURA Act, the Information and Communications Act, and the PURA Enforcement Regulations of 2010.

The planned enforcement measures may include inspections of premises and installations, verification of authorisation status, disconnection of unlawful services, removal or sealing of unauthorised equipment, seizure of equipment, and possible prosecution or sanctions.

Public Utilities Regulatory Authority said the crackdown is aimed at protecting fair competition in the telecommunications sector, safeguarding consumers, maintaining network integrity and security, and ensuring compliance with national laws governing public services.

The regulator also encouraged members of the public and licensed operators to report suspected unauthorised operations through official channels, including its toll-free consumer line.