Uganda regulator in move on access to free channels

Uganda’s communications regulator is to oblige pay TV operators to distribute local TV channels without levying a monthly subscription charge, according to local reports.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UGC) plans to change the terms of pay TV operators licences to oblige them to make free-to-air services available to subscribers without a monthly charge after users’ current subscription periods have ended.

The move is reportedly in response to confusion about the type of equipment Ugandan viewers need to buy to continue watching TV channels after the country’s planned digital migration in July.

The UGC has licensed five firms to distribute free-to-air decoders in the country ahead of the switchover date.