In order to create a robust scope and structure of the existing licences, the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC, said, it was reviewing its activities to accommodate some new industry trends.
The is even, as the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, said the commission is set to commence issuance of licences to mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in the country.
Speaking at a 2-day Stakeholders Consultative Forum, titled: “Talk-To-The Regulator’, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State recently, Danbatta who was represented at the event by Usman Mamman, head, of pre-licensing, at the NCC stated that measures would be taken to improve regulations to accommodate the rapid and continuous development in the communication industry.
Mamman said: “To keep up to date with developments in the industry, the Commission has equally taken measures to improve regulations to accommodate the rapid and continuous development.
“Some of the interventions and responses of the Commission include but are not limited to; Facilitating the Roll-Out of 5G Service provision. Introduction of Mobile Virtual Network Operator, (MVNO) Licence to bridge the gap between unserved and underserved areas.”
Also speaking, the Commission’s Director of Licensing and Authorisation, Mohammed Babajika, disclosed that NCC has finalised the framework for MVNOs and was currently in the process of licensing them.
An MVNO is a company that does not own a mobile spectrum license but sells mobile services under its brand name using the network of a licensed mobile operator.
Babajika said the licensing of MVNOs will improve the telecommunication output of the country, enable the expansion and availability of quality mobile coverage and close the gap between the unserved and underserved population in Nigeria.
“While the commission is fully committed to discharging its mandate, it can only achieve this with the cooperation and support of licensees,” Babajika said.
“The Commission, therefore, recognises the importance of various service providers and seeks to constantly engage with these service providers and thereby protect the health and growth of the telecoms industry.
