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NCC Extends Application Deadline for Mobile Virtual Network Operators Licence

NCC Extends Application Deadline for Mobile Virtual Network Operators, MVNOs Licence

The Nigerian Communications Commissions, NCC has approved and extended the deadline for the application of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) Licence in Nigeria.

The Nigeria telecommunications regulator explained that the extension was approved following several requests by prospective MVNO’s and MNO’s arising from the magnitude of the requirements for the grant of this License being the first of its nature in the Industry, and to get the Host Mobile Network Operators abreast.

And as such the management of the Commission has considered the requests and approved the extension of the deadline of submission of applicants to 11th October, 2022.

In its drive to create an enabling environment, NCC stated that MVNOs licensing will help generate employment and bridge the gap between the unserved and the underserved in society. It will also further engender competition and provide choices for telecommunication consumers, the commission noted.

Recall, Business Remarks reported that MVNO is a telecommunications product and service operator that leverages the capacity of a fully Licenced Telecommunications Service provider or Mobile Network Operator (MNO).

The Mobile Virtual Network Operators reaches a “Wholesale Agreement” or “Revenue Sharing Agreement” with the telecommunications company through negotiations and delivers its services after bulk-purchasing resources from the telco.

The defining difference between an MVNO and an MNO is that the former has no ownership whatsoever of spectrum elements, irrespective of its operational model.

In Nigeria, the MVNO license is a Five (5) Tier classification that has distinctive services to be offered by the players in different tiers as listed below:

Tier 1 is a Virtual Operator

Tier 2 is a Simple Facilities Operator

Also Read: How NCC Tackle Telecoms Industry Challenges – Danbatta Reveals

Tier 3 is a Core Facilities Operator

Tier 4 is a Virtual Aggregator/ Enabler

Tier 5 is the Unified Virtual Operator

Furthermore, NCC noted that  Tier 1-4 entrants are expected to pay 5% of the License fee as non- refundable administrative charges, while tier 5 entrants are to pay Fifty Million Naira (N50, 000,000.00) nonrefundable administrative fees prior to negotiations with the MNOs.

The telecom regulator also stated that negotiations with Host Mobile Network Operators should commence immediately after the grant of the Licence and such agreements will be filled with the commission.

Interested applicants are thereby advised to take advantage of this extension and ensure to submit their applications on or before the 11th October, 2022 in the office of The Director Licensing and Authorization as late submissions will not be entertained.

Conditions for Application

According to the Commission, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are not eligible to apply for the Mobile Virtual Network Operators license. One unique competent technical partner per Applicant and also NCC said the Nigeria Local Content Policy will be observed

License Application Form can be downloaded from the Commission’s website www.ncc.gov.ng, fill and return.

You may refer to the Mobile Virtual Network Operators Framework published on the Commission’s website for guidance on the fee structure, the scope of operation, and other requirements.

Should you require any clarification, contact the Director, Licensing and Authorization Department of the Commission on email address: babajika@ncc.gov.ng

About Bukola Olanrewaju

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