The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has commenced a review of the regulatory framework guiding Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs), in a move aimed at strengthening competition, improving regulatory oversight and expanding access to telecommunications services across the country.
The review comes as the telecoms regulator revealed that it has so far granted 46 MVNO licences under its five-tier licensing framework, indicating growing interest in the segment since the initiative was introduced.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ consultative forum on the MVNO Business Rules in Abuja, Aminu Maida, the executive vice chairman of the NCC, said the review is intended to ensure that the framework remains responsive to industry developments while encouraging innovation and supporting a more inclusive digital economy.
Maida, who was represented by Usman Mamman, the commission’s director of licensing and authorisation, said the business rules were originally introduced to define licensing requirements, operational obligations and the relationship between MVNOs and their host Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
He explained that the framework also serves to protect consumer interests and preserve the integrity of the telecommunications market, stressing that operators are expected to comply fully with the regulatory provisions.
“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 Commission would continue to enforce compliance to ensure operators adhere strictly to the established guidelines.
According to Maida, the framework was developed following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders and accommodates different business models and technical capabilities across the telecommunications sector.
He noted that the model allows licensed MVNOs to provide mobile communication services by leveraging the infrastructure of existing network operators, eliminating the need to own radio spectrum or build nationwide radio access networks.
Providing an update on licensing, the NCC said one operator has received a Tier 1 licence, while 11 operators hold Tier 2 licences. Another 16 operators have been licensed under Tier 3, seven under Tier 4 and 11 under Tier 5, bringing the total number of approved MVNOs to 46.
The Commission believes the entry of MVNOs will broaden competition in the telecoms industry by attracting new service providers capable of offering niche products, serving underserved customer segments and introducing alternative pricing models.
Also speaking at the forum, Chizua Whyte, head of legal and regulatory services at the NCC, said the draft business rules were designed to provide a clear operational framework for the emerging MVNO market.
She said the growing presence of MVNOs presents opportunities to drive innovation, encourage product differentiation, increase competition and give consumers more options in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
According to her, the stakeholder engagement was organised to obtain feedback from industry participants before the revised rules are finalised.
Industry operators, however, urged the regulator to address practical challenges affecting the successful rollout of MVNO services.
Ken Nwabueze,president of the Association of Mobile Virtual Network Operators of Nigeria (AMVON), called for clearer provisions on revenue-sharing arrangements between MVNOs and host network operators, saying this would provide greater certainty for investors and promote fairness within the ecosystem.
He also appealed to the Commission to make enforcement a central element of the revised framework to ensure compliance by all parties.
Similarly, Chidi Ibisi, a member of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), identified delays in onboarding by host network operators as one of the major obstacles confronting licensed MVNOs.
Ibisi urged the NCC to incorporate specific timelines and onboarding procedures into the revised rules to prevent unnecessary delays that could hinder licensed operators from commencing commercial operations.
He said a more predictable onboarding process would improve the ease of doing business and support the successful implementation of the MVNO initiative.
