NCC issues 46 MVNO licences, begins review of rules to spur market competition

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed that it has issued 46 Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) licences as part of efforts to deepen competition in the telecommunications sector, while commencing a review of the rules governing the operations of the emerging operators.

The regulatory review is aimed at strengthening the MVNO framework, addressing operational challenges and creating a more competitive environment that allows new players to expand access to mobile services without owning spectrum or deploying nationwide network infrastructure.

The commission disclosed this at the MVNO Business Rules Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum held in Abuja, where industry stakeholders called for stronger enforcement of the regulatory framework to address commercial and operational disputes between MVNOs and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman of the NCC, said the revised business rules would provide greater clarity on licensing requirements, operational responsibilities and relationships between MVNOs and their host network operators.

Represented by Usman Mamman, director of licensing and authorisation, Maida said the review aligns with the commission’s objective of promoting digital inclusion, innovation and a more competitive telecommunications ecosystem.

“The MVNO business rules are designed to provide clarity on licensing, operational responsibilities and relationships with host network operators while safeguarding consumer interests and market integrity,” he said.

He added that the NCC would continue to enforce compliance with the approved guidelines to ensure operators adhere to regulatory requirements.

MVNOs provide telecommunications services by leveraging the infrastructure of existing MNOs rather than owning spectrum or operating their own radio access networks. The model is expected to encourage more participation in the telecoms market, promote service differentiation and provide consumers with greater choice.

According to Mamman, the NCC has licensed operators across five MVNO tiers, comprising one Tier 1 licence, 11 Tier 2 licences, 16 Tier 3 licences, seven Tier 4 licences and 11 Tier 5 licences.

However, industry stakeholders said the success of the MVNO regime would depend on effective implementation and enforcement of the rules.

Ken Nwabueze, president of the Association of Mobile Virtual Network Operators of Nigeria (AMVON), urged the NCC to provide clearer guidelines on revenue-sharing arrangements between MVNOs and host operators.

He said effective enforcement mechanisms would help promote fairness, transparency and certainty for operators entering the market.

“As we define these rules, we plead with the commission to make enforcement a key component of the framework,” Nwabueze said.

Stakeholders also identified delays in onboarding MVNOs onto host networks as one of the major challenges affecting service rollout.

Chidi Ibisi, a member of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), said internal processes and sequencing issues among host operators have slowed the commencement of operations by some licensed MVNOs.

He expressed optimism that the revised business rules would establish clear timelines and procedures to streamline onboarding and prevent delays caused by administrative bottlenecks.

Earlier, Chizua Whyte, head of legal and regulatory services at the NCC, said the draft rules were developed to provide a structured operating framework for MVNOs and strengthen their role within Nigeria’s telecommunications ecosystem.

She said MVNOs present opportunities to deepen competition, stimulate innovation, encourage service differentiation and expand consumer choice.

The commission said feedback gathered from stakeholders during the consultation process would be used to improve the framework before the final adoption of the revised MVNO business rules.