NCC Unveils Draft MVNO Business Rules To Deepen Telecom Competition

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has unveiled a draft Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) Business Rules aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework for MVNO operations, promoting transparency, improving collaboration between operators and deepening competition in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.

Speaking at the MVNO Business Rules Stakeholders Consultative Forum in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, represented by the Commission’s Director of Licensing and Authorisation, Mr. Usman Mamman, said the proposed rules would provide greater clarity on licensing requirements, operational responsibilities and the relationship between Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and their host Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

He said the framework was also designed to safeguard consumer interests while preserving the integrity of the telecommunications market.

“The Commission remains firmly committed to effective regulatory oversight that is transparent, predictable and fair to all market participants,” Mamman said.

He noted that the success of the MVNO framework would depend on collaboration, strong partnerships and shared responsibility among all industry stakeholders.

According to him, the Commission has maintained continuous engagement with operators since the issuance of MVNO licences to better understand operational realities and implementation challenges facing the emerging sector.

Mamman explained that the draft business rules address key operational issues, including onboarding and integration processes, hosting arrangements, interconnection, numbering resources, SIM and eSIM management, quality of service obligations, revenue-sharing principles, infrastructure access, consumer protection and dispute resolution mechanisms.

He said the Commission was particularly mindful of concerns surrounding onboarding delays, technical integration challenges, commercial negotiations and access to network resources, adding that the proposed framework seeks to promote transparency, fairness and non-discriminatory treatment across the MVNO ecosystem.

He urged stakeholders to critically review the draft provisions and submit practical recommendations before the rules are finalised.

Mamman disclosed that the introduction of MVNO services in Nigeria followed several years of planning and extensive stakeholder consultations.

Also speaking, the NCC’s Head of Legal and Regulatory Services, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, said the Commission commenced the process in 2017 through a Request for Proposal (RFP) to assess Nigeria’s readiness for MVNO services based on international best practices.

She said the study confirmed that Nigeria’s telecommunications market had attained sufficient maturity to support MVNO operations, leading to the development of a five-tier licensing framework.

According to her, the framework allows operators to provide mobile communication services using the infrastructure of existing Mobile Network Operators without deploying their own nationwide radio access networks.

Whyte disclosed that the Commission has so far issued 46 MVNO licences across the five licence categories, comprising one Tier 1 licence, 11 Tier 2 licences, 16 Tier 3 licences, seven Tier 4 licences and 11 Tier 5 licences.

She explained that while the licensing framework provides the basis for market entry, the proposed business rules are intended to define the commercial and technical relationships between MVNOs and MNOs, promote sustainable business partnerships and ensure efficient service delivery.

According to her, the initiative aligns with the provisions of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and supports the Federal Government’s digital economy agenda by promoting competition, stimulating innovation, expanding consumer choice and improving access to telecommunications services, particularly in underserved and unserved communities.

Whyte added that the draft rules are designed to address operational challenges, improve stakeholder collaboration and deepen competition in the telecommunications industry.

She said the rules establish a clear, rule-based approach to resolving operational issues while ensuring transparency and fairness for all participants.

According to her, the public inquiry forms part of the Commission’s consultative rule-making process, and stakeholders’ contributions will help produce regulations that are practical, relevant and responsive to industry realities.

She urged participants to actively engage in the consultation and provide constructive feedback that would strengthen the final framework.

Whyte further explained that the rules derive their authority from the Nigerian Communications Act, which empowers the NCC to develop regulations that are binding on operators.

She noted that the framework clearly defines the rights and obligations of operators, provides guidance on the scope of the various licence categories and reinforces competition principles by prohibiting discriminatory practices among market players.

She added that the provisions on onboarding procedures, technical integration, commercial agreements and service delivery are expected to address delays that have affected MVNO operations.

Speaking on behalf of MVNO operators, President of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria’s MVNO Group, Engr. Ken Nwabueze, commended the NCC for developing the draft framework but urged the Commission to prioritise effective enforcement.

He said Vitel, which commenced operations as Nigeria’s first operational MVNO in October 2025, has gained practical industry experience that could assist the Commission in refining the regulations.

According to him, two major issues requiring attention are revenue-sharing arrangements between MVNOs and Mobile Network Operators and the effective enforcement of the proposed rules.

Nwabueze stressed that while the relationship between MVNOs and MNOs should be viewed as a strategic partnership for expanding Nigeria’s digital economy, compliance with the regulations would only be achieved through consistent enforcement.

He also noted that the proposed framework would provide the regulatory certainty needed to support investment, encourage innovation and foster the sustainable growth of the MVNO ecosystem in Nigeria