Lycamobile gets UCC National Operator License, to extend countrywide network coverage to 90% in 5 years

Uganda’s telecom industry regulator, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has granted a National Telecommunication Operator (NTO) license to Lycamobile, making the company the Third National Operator.

Lycamobile, a subsidiary of Tangerine Limited which has operated in Uganda since the year 2008, got the NTO license on March 24, 2021.

UCC Ag. Executive Director Irene Kaggwa Sewankambo during a meeting with Lycamobile officials in Kampala on May 11, 2021, said the Commission was proud of the milestone Lycamobile had attained and pledged support from the regulator.

Following the approval of a new licensing framework in June 2020, the commission allowed all existing telecom operators to apply for license categories of their choice as long as they met the respective licensing requirements.

In line with industry requirements, Lycamobile applied for the NTO license, which was granted after due evaluation of their application by the Communications Commission.

Under the NTO License, Lycamobile, like all other NTOs, is expected to extend its network coverage to 90% of Uganda’s geographical boundary within five years of getting the license.

Lycamobile is also expected to list a minimum of 20% of its shares on the Uganda Securities Exchange in accordance with the listing rules and guidelines set by the Capital Markets Authority and Uganda Securities Exchange.

During Tuesday’s event, the Lycamobile Uganda CEO Vinay Choudary said the company is now set to grow and expand. Accompanied by Chief Operations Manager for Africa Jegajeevan Rajathurai and Chief Technical Officer Kobel Humphrey, Choudary added that Lycamobile is committed and here to stay.

The UCC ED, who was accompanied by the Head Legal Abdul-sallam Waiswa, and Head Public and International Relations Ibrahim Bbossa, said the Commission is confident that the entry of Lycamobile to the NTO market will further improve competiveness in the sector and ultimately benefit the Ugandan consumer.