Abstract
The thesis examines the background to the regulation of the telecommunications sector in East Africa (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania) from pre-independence days and the current developments in the telecommunications services market in light of liberalisation, privatisation and the forces of globalisation. Regional integration is in focus as the study addresses the sector from the perspective of the East African Community (the regional intergovernmental organisation of the Republics of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania). Emphasis is placed on the role of regulation through licensing as a regulatory tool to determine market entry. The example of the European Union (EU), with the most developed regulatory regime for a common market in telecommunications under a regional integration framework is relevant and so a comparative analysis of the EU and EAC regulatory framework is undertaken. The study sought to provide an in-depth understanding of the critical issues and options surrounding telecommunications regulation and reform at the EAC level.