All telecom companies in Uganda are regulated by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) which recently reviewed, launched, and reminded all telecom companies to submit their applications based on the new licensing regime. Roke Telkom, Smile, and CSquared this week applied for new licenses from the regulator. Other Applicants include; Internet Solutions Uganda limited and East African Broadband services.
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The new framework structure from UCC standardizes and reclassifies the existing and new telecoms into 5 licensing categories viz:
- National Telecom Operator (NTO)
- National Public Service Provider (NPSP)
- Regional Public Service Provider (RPSP)
- National Public Infrastructure Provider (NPIP)
- Regional Public Infrastructure Provider (RPIP).
Smile Communications and Roke Telkom Telecom already have PIP and PSP licenses however, Roke is applying for a National Public Service Provider License (NPSP) and a Regional Public Infrastructure Provider (RPIP) License for the Central Region of Uganda. Smile is applying for a National Public Infrastructure Provider (NPIP) permit and an RPSP. CSquared is only applying for an RPSP license same as East African Broadband services.
With the National Public Infrastructure Provider (NPIP) permit, Smile Communications will be allowed to establish and provide infrastructure services to licensed National Operators, Public Infrastructure providers, Public Service Providers, and Private Networks in Uganda. However, they will not be allowed to provide services to final consumers, except when they have a National or Regional PSP. According to the November 2017 Gazette by UCC, the NPIP costs $ 100,000 (One-off) and an annual fee of $30,000.
To fill this gap, Smile Communications has further applied for a Regional Public Service Provider (RPSP) permit which will allow it to provide either Voice and Data services or Capacity Resale Services in the central region. The licensee will not be allowed to provide service outside this boundary in Uganda. This license costs $3,000 initially and a recurring annual $3,000 fee.
As part of the application process, the communication regulator seeks opinions and comments from the public which is expected within a period of two weeks. UCC will only grant the license to liquid telecom if after the expiry of the stated time they receive no comments or opinions.
