The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued licences to 25 new companies to provide mobile telecommunications services under the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) framework.
Based on the licensing by the telecom sector’s regulator, the companies will be providing the same services as the existing Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), using their infrastructure for service delivery nationwide.
Although the commission has Tier 1 to Tier 5 categories of licences under the MVNO framework, the newly licensed entities indicates that the 25 companies are in categories 2 to 5.
Information sourced from the NCC’s database, indicated that seven companies were licensed in the tier 2 category and these include 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.
The database also showed that seven companies were licensed in the tier 3 category and they comprised Amics Technologies Limited; Zegtel Limited; Telewyz Limited; Siu Telecommunications Network; Abrindex Nigeria Limited; Metropolitan Consortium Nigeria Ltd; and IPNX Nigeria Limited. Those licensed as tier 4 operators include Imbil Telecoms Solutions Nig. Ltd; Environmental Expressions Limited; and DMK Telecommunication Nig. Ltd.
A further analysis of the licensed MVNOs reflected that in the tier 5 category, eight companies were licensed. These include 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.
Industry analysts believe that the licensing of the new entrants into the telecom market will further liberalize the sector to provide competitive offerings in the telecoms market and lower the costs of calls and data for subscribers.
Also, the experts strongly feel that the initiative by the commission will further support current efforts by the commission to deepen telecom services in rural, under-served, and un-served communities across the country.
