NCC announces temporary suspension of issuance of communications licences in three categories
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced a temporary suspension on issuance of new licences in three categories of its operations.
The measure, the Commission said, is in line with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 to grant and renew licences, promote fair competition and develop the communications industry.
The categories affected are; Interconnect Exchange Licence; Mobile Virtual Network Operator Licence and Value Added Service Aggregator Licence
The temporary suspension, according to NCC, is necessary to enable the Commission to conduct a thorough review of several key areas within these categories, including the current level of competition, market saturation and current market dynamics.
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The commission stated that during the suspension period commencing on 17th of May, 2024, new application for the aforementioned licences will not be accepted. Pending applications before the Commission will be considered on their merits, a release, signed by Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, stated.
The statement titled; “Temporary suspension of the issuance of communications licences in three (3) categories”, reads;
“In line with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 to grant and renew licences, promote fair competition and develop the Communications Industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (the Commission) hereby informs all stakeholders of a temporary suspension on issuance of new licences in the following categories:
1. Interconnect Exchange Licence
2. Mobile Virtual Network Operator Licence
3. Value Added Service Aggregator Licence
“This temporary suspension is necessary to enable the Commission to conduct a thorough review of several key areas within these categories, including the current level of competition, market saturation and current market dynamics.
“The public is invited to note that during the suspension period commencing on 17th of May, 2024, new application for the aforementioned licences will not be accepted. This is without prejudice to pending applications before the Commission which will be considered on their merits.
“Any enquiries or clarifications in respect of this Suspension Notice should be forwarded to: licensing@ncc.gov.ng”.