UCC cracks down on unlicensed public Wi-Fi hotspot operators

KAMPALA — The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has launched a nationwide enforcement campaign against individuals and businesses operating public Wi-Fi hotspot services without licences, marking a tougher regulatory stance on a fast-growing informal internet resale market.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the regulator said the operation will be conducted jointly with licensed Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecommunications operators and other government agencies to enforce compliance with communications laws.

UCC directed all operators providing public Wi-Fi services without the required licences to either cease operations immediately or regularise their businesses by obtaining the necessary authorisations.

The regulator said the exercise is intended to ensure that internet services are offered by licensed providers that meet regulatory standards and protect consumers from potential risks.

According to the Commission, unlicensed operators expose users to unreliable internet services, cybersecurity threats, data privacy breaches and limited avenues for redress when disputes arise.

“The goal is to foster a safe digital environment in which all users can trust the services they receive,” the Commission said.

The crackdown comes amid the rapid spread of neighbourhood Wi-Fi hotspots, where individuals purchase broadband connections from telecom companies and resell internet access to nearby households, in some cases charging as little as Shs1,000 for 24 hours of connectivity.

The business model has become increasingly popular in urban residential areas as consumers seek cheaper alternatives to conventional mobile data packages.

However, major telecommunications companies have opposed the practice, arguing that consumer internet packages are intended for personal use and not commercial resale.

MTN Uganda Head of Communications Rhona Arinaitwe recently said reselling internet purchased under consumer packages violates the company’s terms of service and creates unfair competition for licensed providers.

Airtel Uganda has similarly described the practice as illegal and disruptive to the telecommunications market.

The latest announcement signals a notable shift from comments made by UCC officials last month that appeared to accommodate neighbourhood internet resellers.

Speaking in June, UCC Director for Economic Regulation, Content and Consumer Affairs Julianne Mweheire said the Commission would not stop consumers from sharing or reselling internet access through neighbourhood hotspots, arguing that the trend reflected increasing demand for affordable and flexible internet services.

Tuesday’s enforcement notice, however, makes clear that anyone offering public internet services without the appropriate licence risks regulatory action.

UCC has advised members of the public to obtain internet services only from licensed providers or their authorised agents and encouraged consumers to verify the licensing status of internet service providers through the list published on the Commission’s website.

The regulator said it remains committed to expanding affordable internet access while ensuring that providers comply with Uganda’s legal and regulatory framework to support a secure and trusted digital communications environment.