In this model, satellite providers deliver capacity to licensed national operators, who then serve customers while adhering to Uganda’s laws, consumer protection standards, security protocols, and data governance frameworks.
The wholesale model is crucial for achieving three significant outcomes:
Regulatory Oversight and National Security
By maintaining lawful interception capabilities, enforcing quality of service, and regulating content, the wholesale model aligns with the requirements of the Data Protection and Privacy Act. In today’s digital economy, data has become a strategic national asset, making its protection a fundamental regulatory responsibility.
Consumer Protection and Accountability
Ugandan consumers get to benefit from essential services such as local customer support, pricing transparency, and effective dispute-resolution mechanisms. Additionally, the wholesale model establishes enforceable service standards that contribute to a more reliable consumer experience.
Sustainable Industry Growth
Lastly, the wholesale model safeguards national investments, fosters competition, preserves jobs, and generates tax revenues while still enabling innovation. Although disruption in the market is permitted, it must be managed rather than allowing uncontrolled entry that could jeopardise existing frameworks.
Furthermore, competition law principles apply. The satellite infrastructure must remain non-exclusive, ensuring that no vertical restrictions prevent other licensed operators from accessing satellite capacity on fair and equitable terms if they choose to do so.
MANAGING INNOVATION RESPONSIBLY
Low-Earth-Orbit satellite technology has significant potential to enhance capacity and resilience in telecommunications networks. However, satellite communications also introduce specific concerns such as geopolitics, data sovereignty, and content regulation. These issues require a careful, well-approved strategy.
The Commission is thus subjecting this initiative to a regulatory review. We anticipate the process will be efficient, and if clarifications are required, we will openly communicate with the involved parties to promote mutual understanding and adherence.
When satellite capacity is deployed through a licensed operator, such as Airtel Uganda, it will operate under specific guidelines, regulated by the Uganda Communications Commission. This will ensure compliance, standards and alignment with Uganda’s national digital development goals.
This framework guarantees that there will be no bypassing of the regulator, no uncontrolled market entries, and no unexpected launches outside the legal framework.
CONCLUSION
Uganda is committed to expanding connectivity wherever its people live, work, and travel, while embracing new technologies such as satellite solutions in a responsible, secure, and public-interest–driven manner.
Hon. Nyombi Thembo
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, UCC
