Commission Extends Application Deadline for Mobile Virtual Network Operators 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 Nigerian telecommunications regulator explained that the extension was approved following several requests by prospective MVNO’s and Mobile Network Ooperators 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.

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 would help generate employment and bridge the gap between the unserved and the underserved in the society.

The commission noted that it would further engender competition and provide choices for telecommunication consumers.

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 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

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 NCC also stated that negotiations with Host Mobile Network Operators should commence immediately after the grant of the Licence and such agreements are 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 would not be entertained.

Conditions for Application

According to the Commission, 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 would be observed.

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

Confidence Okwuchi