NCC licenses 46 new telecom companies, revises MVNO rules to boost competition
By Aboki Forex —
The Nigerian Communications Commission has granted 46 Mobile Virtual Network Operator licences under a five tier framework introduced in 2023. The regulator is also revising operational guidelines to resolve conflicts between new MVNOs and established network operators.
The announcement was made at the MVNO Business Rules Stakeholders' Consultative Forum in Abuja. Stakeholders at the forum called for stronger enforcement of the framework to settle commercial and operational disputes between MVNOs and Mobile Network Operators.
What the new licences mean
The NCC has issued 46 MVNO licences divided into five operational tiers: one Tier 1 operator, eleven Tier 2 operators, sixteen Tier 3 operators, seven Tier 4 operators, and eleven Tier 5 operators, Punch reports.
MVNOs are telecom operators that use existing mobile network infrastructure instead of owning spectrum or deploying their own radio access networks. The model is intended to boost market entry, encourage innovation, enhance service distinction, and offer customers more options.
Aminu Maida, NCC's Executive Vice Chairman, stated in his address to the forum that the revised business rules will offer increased clarity on licensing, responsibilities of operation, and relationships between MVNOs and their hosts.
Maida, represented by the Director of Licensing and Authorisation, Usman Mamman, said: “The MVNO business rules are designed to provide clarity on licensing, operational responsibilities and relationships with host network operators while safeguarding consumer interests and market integrity.”
He added that the NCC will continue to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements. Mamman confirmed: “We will continue to monitor and enforce compliance with all our approved guidelines and procedures to guarantee that operators do what they ought to do as regulated entities.”
Stakeholders push for enforcement and clearer rules
Despite the progress, stakeholders stressed the need for effective implementation and enforcement of the rules to ensure the MVNO regime succeeds.
Ken Nwabueze, President of the Association of Mobile Virtual Network Operators of Nigeria, said: “As we define these rules, we plead with the Commission to make enforcement a key component of the framework.” He also requested clearer guidelines on revenue sharing between MVNOs and host networks.
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria identified delays in MVNO onboarding onto host networks as a key barrier to service rollout, Leadership reports. Chidi Ibisi, a member of ATCON, attributed the issue to internal processes and sequential complexities among host operators. He expressed confidence that the new rules will define clearer timelines and processes for onboarding.
New consumer compensation rule from April 2026
In a separate development, the NCC introduced a new consumer protection measure aimed at improving the quality of mobile services across the country. Under the directive, which takes effect in April 2026, telecommunications companies will be required to automatically compensate customers who experience poor network service. The policy applies to all major mobile operators in Nigeria, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and 9mobile.
For Nigerian consumers and businesses, the entry of 46 MVNOs could mean more competitive pricing and better service options in a market long dominated by a few big players. The success of this push now depends on how swiftly the NCC enforces its revised rules and resolves the bottlenecks that have delayed new operators from getting onto host networks.