Uganda’s communications commission (UCC) launched a public consultation process for the acquisition of telecoms firm Eaton Towers by rival American Tower Corporation (ATC).
The regulator is inviting citizens and sector players to provide written comments, during the consultation period which runs from August 19 to September 2, regarding the looming merger between the two companies. This measure lies within the framework of the section 38(2) (d) of the Act and Regulation 7 (2) (d) of the Telecommunications Licensing Regulations SI No. 20 of 2005 which stipulates that before determining whether or not to grant an application for grant/merger of license, the Commission must consider the public interest.
Eaton Towers Uganda Limited and ATC Uganda Limited have been operating as infrastructure service providers in Uganda since 17 April 2012 and 22 August 2015 respectively. Both companies have secured 15-year Public Infrastructure Licenses (PIPs).
In the event of a successful merger, these two companies, which will combine their interests, ownership and operations, will then form a major provider of passive infrastructure services to the Ugandan telecommunications sector.