The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigeria’s telecommunications regulatory body has granted licenses to 25 companies to provide mobile telecommunications services under the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) framework. This is coming after almost two years the regulator first spoke about the plan to license MVNOs.
A Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) is a telecommunications service provider that does not own its own physical network infrastructure but instead leases network services from an existing mobile network operator (MNO). MVNOs typically enter into agreements with MNOs to access their network infrastructure, including voice, data, and messaging services.
MVNOs operate as independent entities and can offer their own branded mobile services to customers. They have the flexibility to define their pricing, service plans, and value-added features. MVNOs cater to specific market segments or niche markets, targeting different customer needs and preferences.
By leveraging the infrastructure of established MNOs, MVNOs can enter the mobile market without the substantial investment required to build and maintain their own network infrastructure. This allows MVNOs to focus on delivering unique services, customer experience, and competitive pricing.
These 25 new MVNOs will provide the same telecom services like the incumbents, MTN, Airtel, Glo and 9Mobile and NCC expects that they would help to drive the government’s efforts to extend telecom services to more rural, under-served, and unserved communities across the country.
According to an online report, telecom regulators have established various categories of licenses within the MVNO framework. These categories range from tier 1 to tier 5. However, among the 25 companies that have been licensed so far, none have obtained a tier 1 license, which is the lowest category.
As per the records in the NCC’s database, 7 companies have been licensed in the tier 2 category. These companies are Routelink Integrated Systems Ltd, Hazon Technologies Limited, Asel Telecom Nigeria Limited, Briclinks Africa Plc, Pisi Mobile Services Limited, Univasa Nigeria Limited, and Imose Technologies Limited.
In the tier 3 category, there are also 7 licensed companies. They are Amics Technologies Limited, Zegtel Limited, Telewyz Limited, Siu Telecommunications Network, Abrindex Nigeria Limited, Metropolitan Consortium Nigeria Ltd, and IPNX Nigeria Limited.
The tier 4 operators consist of Imbil Telecoms Solutions Nig. Ltd, Environmental Expressions Limited, and DMK Telecommunication Nig. Ltd.
Lastly, the tier 5 category includes 8 licensed companies: Systegra Technologies Limited, Choffan Communications Limited, Mab Consultant and Associates Ltd, H & Y Business Global Limited, Taima Technologies Ltd, Global Communication Extension Services Ltd, USKS Ventures International Ltd, and Paribas Communication Limited.
NCC has raked in about N5.9 billion as licensing fees from the issuance of the MNVO licence to the 25 companies.
