The (NCC) has taken decisive steps to address operational bottlenecks affecting Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), announcing the issuance of 46 licences as part of efforts to deepen competition and expand access to telecommunications services in the country.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, , disclosed this at a public inquiry on the draft Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Business Rules held in Abuja, noting that the initiative underscores the Commission’s commitment to strengthening the regulatory framework guiding the subsector.
Represented by the Director of Licensing and Authorisation, Mr Usman Maman, the EVC explained that the proposed rules are designed to provide clarity on operational procedures, define responsibilities among operators and enhance commercial relationships between MVNOs and their host Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
He said the framework addresses critical areas such as onboarding and integration processes, hosting arrangements, interconnection, numbering resources, SIM and eSIM management, quality of service, infrastructure access, consumer protection and dispute resolution.
Maida further stated that the Commission had taken into consideration concerns raised by stakeholders, including onboarding delays, technical integration challenges, limited access to network infrastructure and issues surrounding commercial negotiations.
According to him, the regulatory intervention aligns with global best practices and reflects NCC’s resolve to ensure a transparent, fair and predictable telecommunications ecosystem.
Providing an overview, Maman said the journey towards the introduction of MVNOs began in 2017 following a market readiness assessment which confirmed that Nigeria’s telecom sector had attained the required maturity to support virtual operators.
He added that this led to the introduction of a five-tier licensing structure in 2023 to accommodate varying business models and technical capacities.
“As of today, the Commission has issued 46 MVNO licences across the various tiers,” he said.
A breakdown indicates that one licence was issued under Tier 1, 11 under Tier 2, 16 under Tier 3, seven under Tier 4 and 11 under Tier 5.
Maman emphasised that while licensing has created opportunities for market entry, effective implementation would depend on clearly defined operational guidelines to regulate interactions among industry players.
Meanwhile, President of the Association of Mobile Virtual Network Operators, Engr Kenneth Nwabueze, described the development as timely, stressing the need for strong enforcement and equitable revenue-sharing arrangements between MVNOs and host network operators.
He noted that insights from operators’ practical experience would be vital in shaping a more effective and sustainable regulatory framework for the sector.
