The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has issued a strong regulatory compliance and enforcement notice targeting unauthorized Wi-Fi hotspot providers and internet resale operators across the country.
“All persons or entities currently engaged in provision of Wi-Fi hotspot services, internet resale, or public internet access without authorisation are hereby directed to immediately cease operations or regularise their status with the authority within seven (7) days from the date of this notice.”
In a press release dated 12 May 2026, the authority announced that individuals and businesses offering public internet access services without authorization could face nationwide enforcement actions if they fail to regularize their operations within seven days.
According to PURA, the provision of public internet services falls under regulated information and communication services as outlined in the Information and Communications Act, 2009, and the PURA Act, 2001.
The Authority emphasized that no individual or entity is permitted to establish, install, operate, or maintain public internet systems without the appropriate licence, permit, or authorization.
The notice follows an earlier registration and regularization exercise conducted between 1 January and 3 March 2026, which aimed to give hotspot operators an opportunity to legalize their operations.
While some providers complied, PURA said a significant number of operators continue to offer services unlawfully and, in some cases, without sufficient disclosure of their operational arrangements.
As part of its final compliance directive, PURA ordered all unauthorized hotspot operators and internet resellers to immediately cease operations or complete the regularization process within seven days of the notice.