The categories are Mobile Virtual Network Operator Licence, Interconnect Exchange Licence and Value Added Service Aggregator Licence.

A virtual operator is a company that does not own a mobile spectrum licence but sells mobile services under its brand name using the network of a licensed mobile operator. Currently, there are at least 25 operators.

The Interconnect Exchange Licence is a network facility that enables the interconnection of more than two independent connecting entities to facilitate the transfer of electronic communications.

While VAS aggregators are non‐core network telecommunication services which are beyond standard voice calls.

These services include internet, directory service, paging service, voice mail and prepaid calling card service, call centre services, content services, and vehicle tracking.

The NCC said the suspension is in line with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to grant, renew licenses and promote fair competition.

The commission, in a public notice posted on its X handle on Friday, said the temporary suspension is to enable a thorough review of several key areas of market saturation, competition level and current market dynamics.

The notice titled, “Temporary Suspension Of The Issuance Of Communications Licences In Three Categories” was signed by the Director, Public Affairs Department, Nigerian Communications Commission, Reuben Muoka.

The notice read, “In line with its powers under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 to grant and renew licenses, promote fair competition and develop the Communications Industry, the Nigerian Communications Commission (The Commissions) hereby informs all stakeholders of a temporary suspension on issuance of new licenses in the following categories, Interconnect Exchange License, Mobile Virtual Network Operator License and Value Added Service Aggregator License.

“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.”

It, however, noted that the new directive doesn’t affect pending applications which would be considered based on merit.

“The public is invited to note that during the suspension period commencing on 17th of May, 2024, new applications for the aforementioned licenses will not be accepted. This is without prejudice to pending applications before the Commission which will be considered on its merits.

“Any enquiries of clarification in respect of this Suspension Notice should be forwarded to: licensing@ncc.gov.ng,” the statement read.

In recent times, the telecommunications sector has been faced with a myriad of issues raising concerns about sustainability and efficient service delivery amid ongoing economic challenges.

Record high inflation has reduced purchasing power and a currency devaluation has cut margins.

These challenges are exacerbated by the issue of multiple taxation and regulations and prohibitive right-of-way charges, inadequate electric power supply, and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure.

The Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Prof Umar Danbatta, who spoke through the Executive Commissioner (Stakeholder Management), NCC, Mr Adeleke Adewolu, disclosed this in Abuja.

According to him, the TELCARE desk in Abuja will be a pilot, assuring that the commission plans to set up the desk at strategic locations across the country to provide information to telecom consumers.

The NCC boss noted that the TELCARE desk serves as an additional platform to receive and facilitate the resolution of consumer complaints; provide a means through which consumers and citizens can make inquiries on consumer issues; provide a platform for advocacy on any thematic consumer issue or concerns; to further enhance awareness of the commission’s activities.

Speaking further, Danbata noted that with the theme of 2023 World Consumer Rights Day tagged, ‘Empowering consumers through clean energy transition,’ the commission is affirming that the theme of this year will form part of the consideration of its regulatory mandate.

We are committed to responsibly using the world’s resources, including protecting the environment by supporting the industry to transition to renewable energy.”

He said the commission’s Consumer Affairs Bureau will sensitise telecom consumers about these interventions aimed at making the environment better for all of humanity while adding that the CAB will carry this out as part of its Consumer Education mandate, with a significant part of this effort dedicated to providing information that equips the consumer to thrive in a world that has embraced digital finance.

Through its outreach programmes, which have continued to re-tool to reflect existing realities and trends, the CAB will use its consumer-centric initiatives such as the Telecom Consumer Parliament, Telecom Consumer Town Hall on Radio, Telecom Consumer Conversations as well as social media platforms and Consumer Portal to sensitize consumers on how renewable energy benefits them and their role in achieving industry transition to it in the interest of the environment.

“The CAB will develop and produce various consumer education materials such as Flexi and Roll-up Banners, and Handbills, and update its Consumer Handbook to include the message about renewable energy,” he added.

The Enugu Zonal Controller of the NCC, Mr Ogbonnaya Ugama, made the clarification in Enugu on Saturday at a round table with members of the Association of Heads of Federal Establishments.

Ugama explained that there was no convincing evidence associated with emissions from electromagnetic devices including handsets were harmful to the body.

According to him, international bodies including the World Health Organisation had established a threshold that there was no solid evidence that 5G caused negative health effects on humans and animals.

The controller, however, advised users not to hold these electromagnetic devices like handsets close to their body if they had doubts.

“The NCC will do everything possible to guarantee the safety of the citizenry and ensure that every equipment with set standards is approved.

Ugama reiterated the benefits of the 5G network saying that it was designed to increase speed, reduce latency and improve flexibility of wireless services.

5G has theoretical peak speed of 20 Gigabytes per Second while the peak speed of 4G is only one GBPS.

“5G can transform the Nigeria’s economy, dwelling on its projected impact in sectors of education, finance, security, agriculture, healthcare, entertainment and even governance,” he said.

The controller disclosed that Nigeria was the third country in Africa that had rolled out the 5G network adding that it was operational in six states of Lagos, Imo, Borno, Kano, Rivers, Oyo and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Ugama said the network would be extended to other states by 2025.