Uganda Cracks Down on Illegal Public Wi-Fi Resellers Nationwide
The commission has urged unlicensed operators to cease their activities immediately and advised consumers to obtain internet services from providers licensed by the UCC.
The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has announced a nationwide enforcement exercise targeting unlicensed resellers of public Wi-Fi services operating across the country.
The exercise follows consultations with key stakeholders, including telecommunications operators, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) and members of the Wi-Fi Hotspot Association, to address regulatory challenges associated with the resale of public internet services.
According to the UCC, some providers are reselling internet access without the required authorisation. The practice has raised concerns over compliance with service standards, consumer protection, fair competition, government revenue, and the safety of telecommunications networks and infrastructure.
The commission cited the Uganda Communications Act, which prohibits the provision of telecommunications services to the public without a licence issued by the regulator.
As part of the enforcement exercise, the UCC plans to identify and dismantle illegal installations and seize routers and other related equipment used in unauthorised operations.
The commission has urged unlicensed operators to cease their activities immediately and advised consumers to obtain internet services from providers licensed by the UCC.
The action forms part of the regulator’s efforts to strengthen compliance in Uganda’s telecommunications sector and address unauthorised public internet service provision.
