The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a draft framework to regulate the operations of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), in a move aimed at strengthening competition, safeguarding consumers and widening access to telecom services nationwide.
Unveiled during a stakeholders’ consultative forum in Abuja, the proposed business rules are designed to establish a clear and transparent relationship between MVNOs and their host Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), while providing regulatory certainty for industry players.
Representing the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, the Director of Licensing and Authorisation, Usman Mamman, said the framework outlines the rights and obligations of both parties. He noted that it covers critical areas including licensing procedures, onboarding, technical integration, interconnection, quality of service, infrastructure access, revenue sharing, consumer protection and dispute resolution.
According to him, the initiative is intended to remove ambiguities in commercial agreements and technical operations, ensuring compliance with established regulatory standards and promoting market integrity.
The commission explained that the draft rules were developed following extensive engagement with operators and industry stakeholders, after identifying operational gaps since the introduction of MVNO licences. It recalled that considerations for MVNO adoption began in 2017, with studies confirming the readiness of Nigeria’s telecom sector, culminating in the rollout of a five-tier licensing framework in 2023.
The NCC disclosed that 46 MVNO licences have so far been issued across the different categories, but acknowledged that practical experience has highlighted the need for more defined operational guidelines governing relationships between MVNOs and their host networks.
Earlier, the Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC, Chizua Whyte, said MVNOs hold significant potential to drive innovation, deepen competition and extend services to underserved and unserved communities. She noted that by leveraging existing telecom infrastructure, MVNOs can enter the market at lower cost, thereby expanding consumer choice without requiring heavy investment in network deployment.
She added that the proposed framework would create a balanced regulatory environment capable of attracting investors and supporting sustainable growth within the sector.
Also speaking, President of the Association of Mobile Virtual Network Operators, Ken Nwabueze, described the consultation as timely, stressing that insights from operators already active in the market would be critical in shaping an effective final framework.
He identified revenue sharing and regulatory enforcement as key concerns, urging the commission to prioritise strict enforcement mechanisms to ensure fairness and compliance.
The proposed rules are expected to clearly define how MVNOs operators that deliver mobile services by leasing capacity from existing networks will function alongside major telecom providers such as MTN, Airtel, Globacom and 9mobile.
Source: THE GUARDIAN NG
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