UCC studying use of GSM spectrum

Uganda's telecommunications regulator has initiated a study to determine how efficiently GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) spectrum is being utilized by the country's four service providers -- MTN Uganda, Uganda Telecom, Warid Telecom and Zain.

"If we discover there is extra space, then we will be in a position to say if the sector can accommodate more players," said Patrick Masambu, executive director of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC). "But, as I speak now, we have run out of spectrum."

Masambu did not name the entity that is carrying out the study but revealed that the study will be completed by the end of October.

The admission by the UCC that there is no room on its 900/1800 bands leaves in a lurch more than half a dozen players who have been granted PSP (public service provider) and PIP (public infrastructure provider) licenses since the sector was liberalized in August 2006. These companies include Africa Online, Afsat Communications, Anupam Global Soft, Datanet, Infocom, I-Tel and TMP Uganda.

Operators who originally wanted to use GSM spectrum may now be forced to turn to CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) technology.

It is not clear what frequency House of Integrated Technology and Systems (HITS) Telecom Uganda will use, as it is in advanced stages of rolling out service.

Experts in the telecommunications sector have called GSM the preferred technology in mobile telephony. It offers a number of advantages over CDMA, including international roaming capacity between providers, easy activation and switching of SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards, and compatibility with mobile handsets in particular markets.

CDMA technology does, however, enable higher speeds than GSM.

Few countries and operators in East Africa use CDMA, and a shift to that platform could herald a shift in industry trends.

According to industry sources, it is likely that companies that have received PIP and PSP licences in Uganda will fail to roll out service, considering the costs involved.