Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

NCC Suspends Issuance of Virtual Operators Licence Two others

POSTED ON May 17, 2024 •   Business      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
Minister of Communications,Dr. 'Bosun Tijani l Credit: @bosuntijani. l Source: X

The Nigerian Communication Commission has announced a temporary suspension of new licence issuance to operators in three categories.

The categories are Mobile Virtual Network Operator Licence, Interconnect Exchange Licence and Value Added Service Aggregator Licence.

A virtual operator is a company that does not own a mobile spectrum licence but sells mobile services under its brand name using the network of a licensed mobile operator. Currently, there are at least 25 operators.

The Interconnect Exchange Licence is a network facility that enables the interconnection of more than two independent connecting entities to facilitate the transfer of electronic communications.

While VAS aggregators are non‐core network telecommunication services which are beyond standard voice calls.

These services include internet, directory service, paging service, voice mail and prepaid calling card service, call centre services, content services, and vehicle tracking.

The NCC said the suspension is in line with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to grant, renew licenses and promote fair competition.

The notice read, “In line with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to grant and renew licenses, promote fair competition and develop the Communications Industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (The Commissions) hereby informs all stakeholders of a temporary suspension on issuance of new licenses in the following categories, Interconnect Exchange License, Mobile Virtual Network Operator License and Value Added Service Aggregator License.

“This temporary suspension is necessary to enable the commission to conduct a thorough review of several key areas within these categories, including the current level of competition, market saturation and current market dynamics.”

It, however, noted that the new directive doesn’t affect pending applications which would be considered based on merit.

“The public is invited to note that during the suspension period commencing on 17th of May, 2024, new applications for the aforementioned licenses will not be accepted. This is without prejudice to pending applications before the Commission which will be considered on its merits.

“Any enquiries of clarification in respect of this Suspension Notice should be forwarded to: [email protected],” the statement read.

In recent times, the telecommunications sector has been faced with a myriad of issues raising concerns about sustainability and efficient service delivery amid ongoing economic challenges.

Record high inflation has reduced purchasing power and a currency devaluation has cut margins.

These challenges are exacerbated by the issue of multiple taxation and regulations and prohibitive right-of-way charges, inadequate electric power supply, and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure.

READ ALSO
Tinubu Signs Four Tax Reform Bills to Transform Nigeria's Fiscal Framework
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu has enacted four tax reform bills that focus on crucial aspec...

READ ALSO
Tinubu to Sign Four Tax Reform Bills into Law Thursday
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

President Bola Tinubu is set to sign four pivotal tax reform bills designed to revamp Nigeria's fisc...

READ ALSO
Nigeria Takes Bold Step towards Energy Independence with Naira-Based Crude Sales Initiative
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 25, 2025 0

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, alongside the Federal Government’s One-Stop-Sho...

READ ALSO
Nigeria's 2024 Budget Capital Extension Draws Criticism from Economists
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 25, 2025 0

The Senate and House of Representatives have once again prolonged the implementation of the capital...

READ ALSO
IPMAN Links Rising Petrol Prices to Crude Oil Costs and Market Dynamics
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 24, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - The Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Associati...

READ ALSO
NGX Opens Week Bullish, Gains N279bn Amid Renewed Investor Confidence
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 23, 2025 0

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) commenced the trading week on a bullish trajectory, adding N279...

READ ALSO
Oil Prices Surge Amid U.S. Airstrikes on Iran's Nuclear Sites
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 23, 2025 0

Oil prices rose on Monday while the dollar gained strength following the U.S. airstrikes on Iran's n...

READ ALSO
POS Terminals Drive N223tn in Transactions Amid Shift From ATMs
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 23, 2025 0

Point of Sale (POS) terminals processed transactions worth N223.27 trillion in 2024, marking a drama...

OUR CHANNELS:

Kebbi Vows to Tackle Informants Aiding Bandits
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 27, 2025 0

KEBBI, Nigeria - Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has pledged to take action against informant...


PDP seeks Tinubu’s intervention in Osun Crisis
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has urged President Bola Tinubu to step in re...


24 Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC Amid Unresolved Internal Conflicts
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

AKWA IBOM, Nigeria - Twenty-four out of the 26 members of the House of Assembly in Akwa Ibom State h...


Nigeria's 2024 Budget Capital Extension Draws Criticism from Economists
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

The Senate and House of Representatives have once again prolonged the implementation of the capital...


Chelsea Advances to Last 16 of Club World Cup with 3-0 Win Over Esperance
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

Liam Delap netted his first goal for Chelsea during a 3-0 victory over Tunisian champions Esperance...


IPOB Rejects Tinubu's Cattle Ranch Proposal as a Disguise for Land Grabbing
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has expressed its disapproval of President B...


Police Unveils New Strategies to Combat Gunmen and Restore Public Confidence
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

ANAMBRA, Nigeria - In its continued efforts to boost security and regain public trust, the Anambra S...


Nigeria's Gemstone Potential: A Deep Dive into 10 Rare Minerals and Their Regions of Origin
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

Nigeria is making waves with a revolutionary $400 million Foreign Direct Investment dedicated to cre...


IPMAN Links Rising Petrol Prices to Crude Oil Costs and Market Dynamics
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - The Public Relations Officer of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Associati...


EFCC Charges Businessman, Company with $75,000 Fraud
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara June 26, 2025 0

A businessman, Peter Otomewu, along with his company, Pebeto Enerji Limited, was brought before the...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu