By Our Reporter
Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services, with a presence in 14 countries across Africa, has announced that its subsidiary Airtel Uganda Limited (“Airtel Uganda”) has been issued a National Telecom Operator Licence. This follows a period of negotiation and transition to a new Licensing Regime.
The new licence is with effect from 1 July 2020 and is for a period of 20 years.
In a press statement, Airtel Uganda thanked the Government of Uganda and the Uganda Communications Commission for its cooperation on this important process.
Airtel Uganda will retain all its current spectrum subject to the law and terms of assignment. The scope of services will be the provision of basic telecommunication services, infrastructure services, and value-added telecommunication services.
In addition, Airtel Uganda commits to achieving coverage of 90% of the geographical boundary of Uganda within five years of the effective date of the licence – with a minimum obligation of providing voice and data services.
Under the terms of the licence Airtel Uganda has paid USD 74.6 million which includes VAT of USD 11.4 million.