Uganda set deadline for telcos to subscribe to new licensing plan

The new licensing framework is set to launched officially in June and as such, telecom operators have until the 30th of January to subscribe to available plans.

Following an announcement about the new licensing framework in October, the regulators have set June 30 for its official launch.

According to Ibrahim Bbosa, the director of public and corporate affairs at UCC, the new licensing categories were created after a review of the broadband policy.

Mr Bbosa said the new policy framework structure is aimed at improving the quality of telecommunication services and boost investment in the sector. It has also been standardised and reclassified to cater for both existing and new operators.

The policy creates five different licence categories—National Telecom Operator, National Public Service Provider, Regional Public Service Provider and Regional Public Infrastructure Provider.

Players applying for a National Telecom Operator licence will have to float at least 20 per cent of the company’s shares on the Uganda Securities Exchange within two years of acquiring the new licence.

Monitor