The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced the granting licenses to 25 companies to offer telecommunication services under the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) framework.
The regulator made the announcement through a press statement on Wednesday.
MVNOs, which are independent entities, lease network services from existing mobile network operators (MNOs) instead of owning their own physical network infrastructure.
MVNOs can provide their own branded mobile services with flexible pricing, service plans, and value-added features.
By leveraging MNO infrastructure, MVNOs can enter the market without substantial investment in network infrastructure, focusing on unique services, customer experience, and competitive pricing.
These 25 new MVNOs will offer telecom services similar to incumbents like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile, contributing to extending telecom services to rural and underserved communities.
The MVNO framework includes tiered licenses ranging from tier 1 to tier 5. So far, none of the licensed companies have obtained a tier 1 license.
Seven companies hold tier 2 licenses, including 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.
Seven companies have been licensed under tier 3: Amics Technologies Limited, Zegtel Limited, Telewyz Limited, Siu Telecommunications Network, Abrindex Nigeria Limited, Metropolitan Consortium Nigeria Ltd, and IPNX Nigeria Limited.
Tier 4 includes Imbil Telecoms Solutions Nig. Ltd, Environmental Expressions Limited, and DMK Telecommunication Nig. Ltd.
Tier 5 consists of eight 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.
The NCC has generated approximately N5.9 billion in licensing fees from issuing the MVNO licenses to these 25 companies.