Speaking during the inauguration of the new board of directors of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) at the ministry’s offices in Kampala, he said discussions were underway with operators of Internet to get submarine cables at the Indian Ocean coast to avoid middlemen who hike prices.
The new board of directors of UCC, which is charged with regulation of telecommunications and postal services, comprises seven members. These are Vincent Kasangaki (chairman), Evelyn Piloya, Jane Kabbale, Rajab Wardah Gyagenda, William Byaruhanga, Norah Mulira and Charles Lwanga Auk.
“We have to deal directly with the Internet providers to have a better deal,” Nasasira noted.
Nasasira said Uganda currently pays $600 (sh1.5m) per megabyte to Internet providers per month.
“Our plan is to bring the cost of Internet to $80 (about sh208,000) by 2020,” Nasasira said.
Nasasira said the satellite system Ugandans are currently using to access the Internet is slow, expensive and has a low capacity.
“Our plan is to raise Uganda’s position in the world as far as ICT development is concerned to 100th position in the next five years. Uganda currently stands at 130th,” he said.
Nasasira urged the new board members to facilitate private sector participation in the communications sector and national development.
Kasangaki advised the new board to carry out their responsibilities while balancing the needs of the Government, operators and consumers.
He urged UCC to put in place regulations to enable operators get good returns on their investments without compromising the quality of service and exploiting consumers.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Betty Amamukirori and Michael Odeng
Quelle/Source: The New Vision, 04.10.2014
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