The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) hereby notifies the general public that it has, through monitoring, consultation, and verification exercises, identified the existence of Wi-Fi hotspot service providers operating without the requisite licence or authorisation in various localised communities across the country. Findings from these engagement activities indicate that such unauthorised hotspot services are currently being accessed in several regions, including the Greater Banjul Area (GBA), West Coast Region (WCR), Lower River Region (LRR), North Bank Region (NBR), and Upper River Region (URR).

While PURA recognises that the provision of broadband services for last-mile access and the final distribution of internet services to end users is important for expanding connectivity, digital inclusion, and access to online services, such activities must be carried out in an organised, lawful, and regulated manner. The deployment of wireless technologies plays a critical role in achieving these objectives efficiently and affordably; however, their use must comply with the applicable legal and regulatory frameworks, in the interest of Government, licensed operators, consumers, and the wider ICT ecosystem.

In this regard, PURA wishes to state clearly that the provision of Wi-Fi hotspot services to the general public without authorisation is not legal. Notwithstanding this position, the Authority, in collaboration with all key stakeholders and the Gam-Hotspot Association Operators, has adopted a pragmatic approach aimed at regularising existing hotspot operators and bringing them into the regulatory fold, rather than allowing continued non-compliance and disorder in the sector.

Accordingly, PURA informs the general public and all operators that a registration window will be open from 1st January to 3rd March 2026, during which all individuals and entities currently reselling internet services or operating community Wi-Fi hotspots will be required to register their operations, either directly with the Authority at its Head Office or through the recognized Gam-Hotspot Association Operators (Tel: 2669101/5140009). Registration is the first step toward compliance and formal regularisation.

This regularisation initiative will open the window to legitimise the operation of the now illegal, unauthorised, or non-licensed backhaul services, infrastructure, or telecommunications networks to provide hotspot services. After which all operators will be required to comply fully with applicable licensing, technical, safety, and operational requirements as part of the compliance process. Operators are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this registration window.

Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will render offending parties liable to regulatory enforcement actions, which may include, but are not limited to, the forced termination of non-compliant operations, in accordance with the PURA Act 2001, the Information and Communications Act 2009, and other applicable laws.

PURA reaffirms its commitment to ensuring robust, efficient, and high-quality service delivery across all sectors it regulates. The Authority will continue to provide the necessary regulatory oversight to promote fair competition, protect consumers, and ensure orderly and sustainable sector development. Members of the public are encouraged to continue reporting regulatory concerns in any of the sectors regulated by PURA through the Authority’s 148 toll-free line, available from any network during official working hours.