A display of telecommunication SIM cards. PHOTO/FILE
Parliament has asked the government to initiate and implement a single-SIM card policy which would allow users to call and transact across all networks in Uganda seamlessly. The proposal birthed by Mityana Woman MP Ms Joyce Bagala and unanimously approved by the plenary sitting chaired by Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa wants “the regulator (UCC) to urgently implement Mobile Number Portability as a consumer protection measure.”
In so doing, “mobile subscribers retain their telephone numbers when changing network operators or when changing geographic locations.”
Ms Bagala convinced colleagues in Parliament that once implemented, the move would “enhance network accessibility and reduce the cost of connectivity.” “The quality of services will improve because all telecom companies will be in competition to provide the best services so that they do not lose customers,” she said, adding: “But also, it is very convenient for the users.
As he endorsed Ms Bagala’s suggestion, Mr Tayebwa indicated that once implemented, the measure would save Ugandans from the burden of having to carry multiple mobile handsets. “If we can have something, which will save me from carrying two or three phones, [because] it is a burden. We go for international duties and they are asking why you are carrying three phones?”
Mr Tayebwa stated. While reacting to the proposal, State Minister for ICT and National Guidance Godfrey Kabbyanga Baluku cautioned that implementation of the said measure would attract infrastructural changes to be undertaken by both government and telecom companies. “It also needs to look at infrastructure parity because all these telecom companies are not at the same level of system update. At least all telecom companies should have number portability,” Mr Kabbyanga told Parliament.
However, Mr Tayebwa demanded that the government express interest in the proposal. Consequently, Minister Kabbyanga said “I also need one SIM card and there is no doubt about that. I would like to assure Parliament that we are going to handle this and we shall comeback with a comprehensive report.”
When contacted, the Public Relations Officer at Airtel Uganda, Mr David Burungi, stated that as a player in the market, they would be ready to comply with the requirements if given through the regulator.
He added: “There has been a national roaming framework. That national roaming framework is not yet in place. So until that is in place, we shall be able to comply.” Mr Birungi, however, said consideration should be made regarding the big investment the said plan would have on the telecom companies.
