Contrary to report making the rounds, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it was yet to conclude work on the licensing franework for the Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO).
The licence framework is an important precursor to the opening of Nigerian telecoms market for the launch of MVNO.
An online publication had errornously
purporting that the commission had concluded work on the licensing framework.
The Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof, Umar Danbatta, in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, said “The ongoing development of the MVNO licensing framework is not yet concluded much less opening up the telecoms sector for the launch of MVNOs.”
Danbatta said the Commission believes that the MVNOs have great prospects, especially considering the government’s efforts to extend telecom services to more rural, under-served and unserved communities across the country.
The Commission said it published on its official website, the first draft document on “Licence Framework for the Establishment of Mobile Virtual Network Operators in Nigeria” on December 10, 2020 which led to an industry stakeholders’ workshop on MVNO for the purpose of collectively examining the potential benefits, technical feasibility, market demand and appropriate model for MVNO adoption in Nigeria.
“In line with its regulatory procedures in policy formulation, the Commission, after uploading the document online requested for inputs, comments and submissions from industry stakeholders and other members of the public on the draft document, the collation of which are still ongoing.
“The comments obtained will be considered for possible inclusion in the framework for the formulation a sustainable and efficient MVNO licensing framework, as well as a highly conducive regulatory regime that facilitates growth and development in the telecoms space, through competitive and differentiated services offered by these virtual operators.”
Danbatta asserted that no action will be taken until the conclusion of the MVNO framework, consideration of inputs from all relevant stakeholders and the approval by the board of the Commission.
