Nigeria’s first licensed Mobile Virtual Network Operator debuts, assures of improved QoS, consumer experience

*Vitel Wireless, the first Mobile Virtual Network Operator operating under the brand name ‘Blue’, licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission, says with non-network operators entering the fray, ‘offerings may become more flexible, cost-efficient and tailored, bringing pressure for improved service quality’ for telecoms consumers

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Sequel to the telecoms regulatory Commission’s licensing of the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), Nigeria is witnessing its first MVNO with the formal launch of Vitel Wireless under the brand name “Blue”.

ConsumerConnect reports the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) licensed the company, which acquired the “0712 number series”, and it is operating without owning its own communication cum telecoms infrastructure.

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The NCC recently urged the MVNOs and relevant stakeholders in the communications industry to recognise the viability of the Nigerian market, invest boldly, and position themselves to reap the long-term benefits of their investments in the space.

Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, said this in his keynote address presented at the 6th Edition of the Telecoms Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF), in Lagos.

The TSSF with the theme: “Unlocking Nigeria’s MVNO Potential: Status, Trends, Investment, and Future Prospects”, attracted key industry stakeholders.

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Represented at the event by Mr. Usman Mamman, Director of Licensing and Authorisation at NCC, Dr. Maida said the entrance of MVNOs is expected to provide competitive niche offerings, and enhance digital communications ecosystem for the benefit of telecoms consumers, and the entire Nigerian economy.

Terraincore: MVNOs’ entry means diverse business models, higher growth in telecoms

Announcing Vitel Wireless’ commencement of operations Friday, October 31, 2025, in a notice posted via verified social media account of Terraincore, Vitel Wireless declared that the announcement “signals far more than a new player.

“It hints at a broader market liberalisation and rising opportunity, especially in customer-centric services rather than just infrastructure.”

In regard to the strategic importance of its entry into the telecoms ecosystem, the company said “with non-network operators entering the fray, offerings may become more flexible, cost-efficient and tailored, bringing pressure for improved service quality” for telecoms consumers.

According to the company, MVNOs rely on existing networks, creating new demand and additional revenue streams for tower, fibre and back-haul infrastructure owners in the digital space.

Besides, it is noted that the telecoms market is opening beyond traditional actors (Mobile Network Operators – MNOs), meaning more diverse business models and higher growth potential across the telecoms value-chain in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

Speaking on the development, Terraincore also said it would support similar MVNOs in navigating this evolving landscape in a number of ways.

The company stated that it identifies infrastructure owners who can benefit from MVNO-driven demand, and assess partnership models between network operators and MVNOs, highlighting leases, co-use agreements and revenue-sharing frameworks.

Terraincore also disclosed it “advises on regulatory strategy, helping you understand how MVNO licences, agreements and market entry impact both capital planning and long-term returns.”

The company asserted: “Nigeria’s telecoms market is not just expanding, it’s transforming. With players like ‘Blue’ entering, new pathways are forming for growth, collaboration and investment”, stating market dynamics shift starts now in the country’s digital space.