The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has debunked the report conveying that the Commission had concluded work on the licensing framework that will open Nigerian telecoms market for the launch of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO).
Disclosing this on its official website in a statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, the Commission categorically stated that such report is untrue, speculative and unfounded and should be disregarded in its entirety by the members of the public.
“The MVNO licence framework, an important precursor to the licensing of this category of telecoms players, is not yet concluded, contrary to the statement in media report.” The Commission stated.
It further explained that “For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission, on December 10, 2020, published on its official website, the first draft document on “Licence Framework for the Establishment of Mobile Virtual Network Operators in Nigeria.
“The publication followed an industry stakeholders’ workshop on MVNO for the purpose of collectively examining the potential benefits, technical feasibility, market demand and appropriate model for MVNO adoption in Nigeria.
“In line with its regulatory procedures in policy formulation, the Commission, after uploading the document online requested for inputs, comments and submissions from industry stakeholders and other members of the public on the draft document, the collation of which are still ongoing.”
In addition, it noted that the comments obtained will be considered for possible inclusion in the framework for the formulation of a sustainable and efficient MVNO licensing framework, as well as a highly conducive regulatory regime that facilitates growth and development in the telecoms space, through competitive and differentiated services offered by these virtual operators.
However, the Commission strongly advised Nigerian citizens and all telecom consumers to disregard any report purporting that Nigeria is now open to this new segment of industry licences, as the licensing framework has not been concluded.
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