UCC is considering reviewing the current licensing framework. The review will entail extending the scope of some existing licenses and introducing new license categories to address the emerging policy and industry concerns. While some investors what to deploy in a particular regions on roll-out, but the current licensing regime doesn’t permit. In light of such issues, the commission has therefore proposed following 5 licensing categories:
National Telecom Operator (NTO) license
This will be a licence allowing the license holder to establish and provide both infrastructure and services across the entire geographical boundary of Uganda.
National Public Service Provider (NPSP) License
This license will allow the licensee to provide either Voice and Data services or Capacity Resale Services across Uganda. The licensee will not be allowed to install or otherwise provide infrastructure services, except if they obtain an appropriate PIP license as well. Customers of an NPSP licensee will access the services of an NPSP holder where the NPSP has a roaming agreement with a licensee in the respective region.
Regional Public Service Provider (RPSP)
This license will allow the licensee to provide either Voice and Data services or Capacity Resale Services in a specific region. The licensee will not be allowed to provide service outside of their licensed region.
National Public Infrastructure Provider (NPIP) License
This will allow the license holder to establish and provide infrastructure services to licensed National Operators, Public Infrastructure providers, Public Service Providers and Private Networks in Uganda. Holders of this license will not be allowed to provide services to final consumers, except where the operator also holds a PSP license.
Regional Public Infrastructure Provider (RPIP) License
This license will allow the holder to provide infrastructure services to licensed Public Service Providers in the authorised license area/region.
UCC adds that where a licensed operator provides both infrastructure and services in three regions, such operator shall become eligible for an NTO license.
