UCC to reintroduce data usage monitoring tool 

For the past few weeks, social media has been awash with complaints from internet users on how fast the data they load on their digital devices like mobile phones and computers gets depleted before even serving the intended purpose with most of these accusations being addressed to telecom companies.

Following these complaints, Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), the regulator of telecom companies, is set to reintroduce a tool which will help internet users to monitor their internet speeds, data usage, and other issues related to data uptake.

The tool, which is an app named NetQ-UG is a web-based speed test tool that enables any user of the internet in Uganda to measure the data speed and other performance elements of their internet connection at a given time.

Through this tool, users will be able to independently do instant checks and monitor the quality of internet services as received from their service providers in Uganda, independently monitor their usage of data bundles, acquire information to facilitate planning and direct engagement with their service provider over their quality of experience.

Through crowd-sourcing of anonymised data of its users, the tool provides insight into the coverage of the communications services and the quality of service offered across the country.

According to George William Nyombi Thembo, the executive director of UCC, the commission procured the tool in 2021 but it has been out of use.

However, he says, they are currently in the process of renewing the contract of using the tool which they hope will be available to consumers in the next one month indiscriminate of the medium of access that the person uses to connect to the internet whether cellular or other wireless technologies such as optical fibre.

“UCC remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring fair competition, transparency and accountability across the ICT sector. Telecom regulators worldwide balance the interests of consumers, government and operators. We do this by powering consumers to make informed choices and ensuring that the telecom market operates competitively while espousing a regulatory environment that facilitates optimum investment in the telecom sector,” he said.

Thembo, however, added that they can only do this by clearly understanding the business modules of operators as they listen to consumers’ concerns since they do not regulate to kill innovations much as they ensure that every product in the market is competitively priced.

“Balancing affordability and ubiquitous connectivity is such a knife-edge walk that requires informed regulatory interventions. Otherwise, a regulator that pushes populist buttons would disrupt the market to the disadvantage of all stakeholders. We, therefore, ask for understanding, more so from the consumers,” he added.

Other than the tool, Thembo revealed that government is in advanced stages of putting in place a communications tribunal which will be another layer of arbitration on top of their regulatory oversight.