The Ugandan Parliament has passed new regulations proposed by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) to promote efficient, economical and optimal spectrum utilization. The regulations aim to improve mobile broadband coverage and facilitate the deployment of new technologies, including 5G, which is expected to enhance technology with faster download and upload speeds.
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Hon. Nathan Igeme Nabeta, the Vice-chairperson of the Committee on Information Communication and Technology (ICT), presented the report to Parliament, stating that the regulations would foster efficient, economical, rational and optimal spectrum utilization. The regulations would also promote the use of ICT in the economy and society, facilitating the realization of socioeconomic benefits associated with mobile broadband.
The proposed fees for spectrum assignment were benchmarked against Tanzania and Kenya’s spectrum auction and Uganda’s proposed fees are the lowest in the East African region. Uganda has proposed to charge $60,000 per MHz on the 700MHz band, whereas Tanzania charges $74,600 per MHz and Kenya charges $125,000 for the same.