(Ecofin Agency) - Till April 24, 2019, the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) will receive citizens’ opinions on the various changes they need for the current telecom license system. The public consultation process launched on April 4, 2019, in that regard is aimed at facilitating the introduction of new players in the market and improving competitiveness as well as consumers’ purchase power.

It is also aimed at improving service quality, promoting innovation and investments in the telecom sector, allowing further broadband roll-out by facilitating the use of scarce resources.

According to the UCC, the current licencing system in force since 2006 has helped boost investments, the introduction of new actors, the development of new business models and created innovative products. Thanks to that framework, the number of operators has increased from 3 in 2017 to 27 in 2019. In addition, teledensity rose from 0.26 in 1996 to 63.9 in 2016/2017.

Despite those performances, the regulator estimates that this licensing system is no more adapted to the market since the new technologies and business practices are calling for a new system.

With the new system, UCC wants to launch new market niches for investments and polish the market to the standard of developed countries. That way, the market will create jobs and contribute to national wealth.