NCC releases national roaming framework for roaming providers, seekers

*The Nigerian telecoms industry regular says these guidelines are designed and developed to encourage National Roaming between Roaming Providers and Roaming Seekers within a predetermined framework to remove uncertainty and ensure seamless communication across all networks in the country

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

In exercise of the powers conferred upon it by Section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and other enabling powers in that regard, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 Guidelines on National Roaming.

The NCC stated that these guidelines “are intended to give effect to the provisions of licences which permit the licensees to enter into agreements for the purpose of providing National Roaming services in Nigeria, subject to the prior approval of the Commission.

According to the telecoms industry regulator, the guidelines are designed and developed to encourage National Roaming between Roaming Providers and Roaming Seekers within a predetermined framework to remove uncertainty and ensure seamless communication across all networks in Nigeria.

The objective of these guidelines is to prescribe a regulatory framework for the implementation of National Roaming services in Nigeria, it noted.

In terms of the scope of the document, the NCC stated that the guidelines shall apply only to holders of licences validly issued by the Commission, containing a condition that makes the holder eligible to enter into a national roaming service agreement.

Also, National Roaming services shall be provided within the geographical boundaries of

Nigeria.

These guidelines, according to NCC, are to be read in conjunction with the Act, the Collocation Guidelines, Interconnection Regulations, Quality of Service Regulations, Competition Practices Regulations, other subsidiary legislations that may be issued by the Commission from time to time, and relevant Licence Conditions. Read more….