NCC releases regulatory instrument for MVNOs to ensure fair competition for stakeholders’ inputs

*The Nigerian Communications Commission designs the Draft Business Rules for Mobile Virtual Network Operations to ensure fair competition, and prevent big network operators from pricing virtual operators out of the telecoms market in the West African country

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of efforts at ensuring fair competition and preventing established network operators from pricing virtual operators out of the telecoms space, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released a Draft Business Rules for Mobile Virtual Network Operations in the country.

ConsumerConnect reports the regulatory framework contains draft business rules for Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in a move to accelerate the slow-paced sector of the telecoms market.

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The telecoms sector regulatory Commission also said the Draft Business Rules for MVNOs would prevent big Mobile Network Operators from obstructing virtual operators in the country’s telecoms ecosystem.

Key highlights of draft business rules for MVNOs

The Commission indicated that the proposed framework has introduced strict onboarding timelines, fair pricing, and revenue-sharing mechanisms.

In regard to Telcos’ need to adhere strictly to timelines to prevent delays, the NCC said established network hosts are equally prohibited from frustrating the integration of MVNOs.

The industry regulator further emphasised that host operators must now confirm receipt of connection requests within 10 days and provide full technical readiness feedback within 20 days.

The draft instrument indicated the entire business and technical agreement process must conclude within 120 days.

In terms of benchmark pricing, the Commission said to ensure fair competition, and prevent large network operators from pricing virtual operators out of the market, there is a provision outlining baseline selling prices for data, voice, text, and USSD services.

Another important feature is the tiered framework. The NCC draft rules provide clear guidelines and scope of clarifications for the several tiers of MVNOs, ranging from simple virtual operators to core facilities operators.

On Quality of Service and Quality of consumer experience

A fundamental provision in the draft business rules is the consumer protection and Quality of Service (QoS).

The regulatory framework as well sets clear Quality of Service obligations, as it outlines traffic routing rules, and ensures consumer protection standards apply across the board in the sector.

Commission seeks industry stakeholders’ inputs

Meanwhile, following the release of the draft business rules for MVNOs, the NCC has urged industry stakeholders and interested parties to submit their feedbacks by June 29, 2026.

The Commission is reportedly gathering inputs from industry stakeholders and interested parties.

They are urged to submit their feedbacks until June 29, while a public consultation is also scheduled for July 9 this year.

You can read the full, detailed regulatory framework for MVN operators in the NCC draft instrument HERE.

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