The Gambia Hotspot Association (GAM-HA) has clarified widespread misconceptions surrounding the country’s WiFi hotspot community, insisting that its members are operating in good faith and are fully committed to complying with all regulatory and legal requirements.
In a detailed statement, the association dismissed claims circulating in the public space that hotspot providers pay as little as D3,000 for internet services, describing the figures as inaccurate and misleading.
According to GAM-HA, the cost of internet packages varies depending on bandwidth and business classification. Some hotspot operators pay as much as D28,000 per month to Gamtel for 100Mbps fiber business packages, while others pay around D12,000 for 40Mbps. Providers operating on 200Mbps bandwidth are paying in excess of D56,000 monthly.
“The cost depends entirely on the business package and bandwidth being used. The narrative that hotspotters are paying a flat D3,000 does not reflect the reality on the ground,” the association states.
GAM-HA also confirmed that it proactively approached the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to seek formal regulation of the hotspot community. The association said it has held several meetings with the regulator in good faith and was issued registration forms for its members.
Many hotspot operators, the association notes, have already completed and submitted the required documentation.
“PURA is the mandated regulatory body, and we fully recognize that we must comply with the law. There has been no indication of bad faith on our part,” GAM-HA emphasizes.
Tensions reportedly escalated on Tuesday, 16 December, following what GAM-HA described as a lack of feedback from PURA. While the association acknowledges that regulatory processes can take time, especially when benchmarking against practices in other countries, it said it was in the process of preparing a follow-up letter to the authority.
However, the association said it later learned, through an insider, that a high-level meeting had been convened involving several stakeholders, including the police, State Intelligence Services (SIS), Gamtel, QCell, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), other internet service providers, and enforcement agencies.
GAM-HA said it was neither invited nor consulted, despite being the primary stakeholder affected by the regulatory process.
“What deeply disturbed our members was seeing public statements describing hotspot operators as illegal, despite our full cooperation and willingness to comply. This seriously damaged confidence and trust,” the association says.
The presence of law enforcement and national security agencies at the meeting also raised concerns among hotspot operators.
“Why were enforcement bodies invited when the very people being regulated were excluded?” the association questions, saying the exclusion, not a refusal to comply with the law, triggered the association’s reaction.
GAM-HA outlines a clear roadmap aimed at ensuring full legal and regulatory compliance across the hotspot sector. These steps include the formal registration of the association, assisting all members to legally register their businesses, engaging with the GRA and area councils, and securing the necessary licensing from PURA.
The association believes that once these processes are completed, the benefits to the national economy will be substantial.
It highlights that Gamtel stands to gain increased revenue through business fiber packages, while the Ministry of Justice will collect annual company renewal fees. Area councils will benefit from trade licence fees, GRA from quarterly tax payments, and PURA from licensing fees. NAWEC will also gain from the daily cash power purchases made by hotspot operators.
Beyond revenue generation, GAM-HA notes that hotspot businesses are creating employment, supporting returnees, and equipping young people with livelihood skills. The association adds that many of its members are already paying taxes.
While commending What’s On Gambia for raising public interest issues, GAM-HA appeals to media platforms to engage directly with hotspot operators before publishing reports.
“Not everything online reflects the full picture,” the association says.
GAM-HA concluded by reaffirming its commitment to operating legally, working collaboratively with all regulatory bodies, supporting national development, and continuing to provide affordable internet access to communities that rely heavily on hotspot services.
