Exclusive: Nigeria’s MVNOs plot group to tackle integration challenges with MNOs

Nigeria’s fledgling mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) ecosystem may be nearing a critical turning point as licensed operators, frustrated by persistent integration hurdles and commercial rollout delays, move to form an industry pressure group, Technology Times can exclusively confirm.

Barring any last minute change of plan, Technology Times has learnt that several of the over 40 MVNOs licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will today in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital forge ahead to establish a special purpose association designed to defend their interests and facilitate open access to vital mobile network infrastructure currently held by incumbent mobile network operators (MNOs).

The meeting scheduled strategically for this evening will feature a key agenda item that will discuss “integration challenges” among others including the establishment of an interim board for the body.

Barring any last minute change of plan, Technology Times has learnt that several of the over 40 MVNOs licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will today in Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital forge ahead to establish a special purpose association designed to defend their interests and facilitate open access to vital mobile network infrastructure currently held by incumbent mobile network operators (MNOs).

The proposed association, according to insiders familiar with the matter, aims to act as a united industry platform to negotiate fairer interconnection terms, address alleged anti-competitive behaviour by MNOs, and engage directly with the NCC and other government bodies to streamline commercial rollout of MVNO services across Nigeria.

MVNOs in Nigeria: Cracks in the ecosystem

Despite the NCC issuing MVNO licences since 2022 to boost competition and improve service diversity in the telecoms sector, most licensees have yet to commercially launch operations. Technology Times’ investigations reveal a shared narrative of frustration across multiple MVNOs who say their rollout plans are being stalled by MNOs.

These roadblocks include difficulty in negotiating interconnect agreements, delayed network integration, and what some describe as “deliberate pricing and access barriers” imposed by the MNOs—barriers they allege contradict the spirit and provisions of the NCC’s MVNO regulatory framework.

“We have invested heavily in securing licences, recruiting talent, and building platforms to serve the Nigerian market,” a top executive of a licensed MVNO tells Technology Times under condition of anonymity. “But over a year after licensing, we are still begging to integrate with MNOs. That’s why this association is not just necessary—it’s urgent.”

MVNOs: Pushback against market dominance

The Nigerian telecoms landscape is largely dominated by four major players—MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile—who collectively control the mobile infrastructure and market access. MVNOs, which rely on leasing capacity from these MNOs to deliver mobile services, are now accusing them of using market dominance to stifle competition and the commercial rollout of the complementary mobile services.

Some MVNOs allege that MNOs are reluctant to onboard them due to fears of market cannibalisation. “Why would a big operator want to empower a competitor with cheaper, more flexible offerings targeting niche segments they’ve ignored for years?” asks another MVNO executive.

Under the current licensing structure, the NCC categorised MVNOs into five tiers—ranging from service-based providers to full MVNOs—allowing varying degrees of operational autonomy. However, several licensees say the theoretical benefits of these categories are yet to materialise on the ground.

Another telecoms industry insider tells Technology Times anonymously that the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) is also planning a forum later in August that will bring together the MVNOs and incumbent MNOs to address several hurdles said to be faced by the impending entrants into the nation’s telecoms market.

The telecoms body ATCON, is understood to have received complaints from MVNOs that some incumbents MNO are allegedly dragging their feet in facilitating integration with the new entrant players.

“They either claim that they are waiting for numbering plans from NCC, or waiting for pricing determination or revenue sharing,” according to the source.

“They are telling MVNOs that they don’t have capacity on their data centre to accommodate them,” a telecoms operator claims that an incumbent MNO is telling the new players citing this as one of several technical hurdles facing the new entrants expected to piggyback incumbent telecoms companies. 

While about three MVNOs are already on the network of two MNOs in the country, the majority of the licensees face a bleak future. 

At the inception of the licensing regime for MVNO services in the country, NCC said it was introducing the new licences to generate employment and bridge the gap between the unserved and the underserved demographics in Nigeria. “It will also further engender competition and provide choices for telecommunication consumers,” NCC says. 

NCC’s mandate and the enforcement gap

The NCC, in rolling out its MVNO Licensing Framework in April 2022, aimed to deepen competition, foster innovation, and extend service reach, especially to underserved and unserved areas. But while the regulator succeeded in issuing over 40 licences within a year, enforcement of fair play remains a critical concern.

“Licensing is only one part of the story,” a telecoms industry analyst says. “For the MVNO market to work, the regulator must enforce non-discriminatory access terms and act swiftly on any anti-competitive behaviour. Otherwise, new players won’t survive.”

MVNO body as a strategic pivot

In response to mounting challenges, several MVNO executives are meeting in Lagos today to initiate the formation of the MVNO association, which is expected to be a pressure group to address challenges impeding the commercial rollout of their service.

According to internal planning details gathered by Technology Times, the MVNO body will serve as a unified voice for MVNOs, create shared legal and technical resources, and function as a watchdog on unfair industry practices.

“This is no longer about isolated complaints. It’s about collective survival,” says another MVNO promoter with details of the plan. “We are aligning ourselves for advocacy, accountability, and shared infrastructure where possible.”

Lessons from global MVNO markets

Globally, MVNOs have helped transform telecoms landscapes by offering flexible pricing, data-centric plans, and customised services for specific user segments—students, SMEs, rural communities, and ethnic diasporas.

In the UK, for example, MVNOs like GiffGaff and Tesco Mobile have thrived by leveraging transparent access to incumbent networks under Ofcom’s stringent market access rules. Similarly, South Africa has made strides in MVNO adoption, with regulators actively supporting newcomers.

Analysts say that unless Nigeria learns from these markets, its MVNO ecosystem risks becoming another failed opportunity in its digital economy journey.

“Some of the operators in Nigeria tried the same playbook in South Africa, but ICASA (the regulator for the South African communications sector, responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, postal and telecommunications services) knew what to do and they waded in to fix the problem. The same MNO in Nigeria wants to delay, but NCC is not helping matters either. They (Nigeria’s NCC) should just look at what ICASA did in South Africa to promote an enabling environment for MVNOs to thrive in the face of competition from the incumbents, and do the same in Nigeria,” according to a telecoms executive. 

“Some of the operators in Nigeria tried the same playbook in South Africa, but ICASA (the regulator for the South African communications sector, responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, postal and telecommunications services) knew what to do and they waded in to fix the problem. The same MNO in Nigeria wants to delay, but NCC is not helping matters either. They (Nigeria’s NCC) should just look at what ICASA did in South Africa to promote an enabling environment for MVNOs to thrive in the face of competition from the incumbents, and do the same in Nigeria,” according to a telecoms executive. 

Economic stakes and the cost of delay

Industry estimates suggest that a thriving MVNO sector could generate thousands of jobs, expand mobile penetration to unserved communities, and support the federal government’s broadband and digital inclusion goals.

Consumers also stand to lose. A diversified market could drive down mobile tariffs, improve customer service, and introduce innovative offerings like family plans, social-only bundles, or SME-specific voice and data services, according to promoters of MVNO service.

What lies ahead for MVNOs

With growing frustration among MVNOs and a pending industry-wide association in the works, the next few months could reshape Nigeria’s telecom sector. NCC’s response to these developments—whether through firmer regulation, mediated agreements, or sanctions—will be pivotal.

At stake, according to an authoritative industry player, is more than just a licensing regime. It is a litmus test of Nigeria’s commitment to fair competition, digital inclusiveness, and market innovation. For now, he tells Technology Times, the emerging consensus among MVNOs is clear: united, they may yet force the change needed to truly disrupt Nigeria’s mobile market.

Licensed MVNOs in Nigeria grouped by tiers

At the inception of the licensing regime for MVNO services in the country, NCC said it was introducing the new licences to generate employment and bridge the gap between the unserved and the underserved demographics in Nigeria. “It will also further engender competition and provide choices for telecommunication consumers,” NCC says. 

The MVNO licence is a five tier classification that has distinctive services to be offered by the players in different tiers as listed below:

MVNO Tier 1: Virtual Operator

1. Topit Virtual Solutions Ltd

MVNO Tier 2: Simple Facilities Operator

1. Asel Telecom Nigeria Limited
2. Briclinks Africa Plc
3. Devos Communications Services Limited
4. Emo Media Ltd
5. Hazon Technologies Limited
6. Imose Technologies Limited
7. Infratel Limited
8. Pisi Mobile Services Limited
9. Routelink Integrated Systems Ltd
10. Telconix Networks Limited
11. Univasa Nigeria Limited

MVNO Tier 3: Core Facilities Operator

1. Abrindex Nigeria Limited
2. AEON Alliance Intel Limited
3. Amics Technologies Limited
4. Deistech Solutions Limited
5. Geniex-Tech Nigeria Limited
6. IPNX Nigeria Limited
7. Metropolitan Consortium Nigeria Ltd
8. Naebass Integrated Services Nigeria Limited
9. Rapidlink Telekoms Limited
10. Robert And John Limited
11. Siu Telecommunications Network Limited
12. Telewyz Limited
13. Telvida Int’l Systems Limited
14. Vitel Wireless Limited
15. Zegtel Limited
16. ZNL Communications Limited

MVNO Tier 4: Virtual Aggregator/ Enabler

1. Connectivity Infrastructure Services Limited
2. DMK Telecommunication Nig Ltd
3. Environmental Expressions Limited
4. Fog Global Technologies Ltd
5. Go-Wireless Limited
6. Holla Tags Limited
7. Imbil Telecom Solutions Nig. Ltd

MVNO Tier 5: Unified Virtual Operator

1. Choffan Communications Limited
2. Fourth Industrial Skills Consult Limited
3. Global Communications Extension Services Ltd
4. H & Y Business Global Limited
5. Mab Consultant and Associates Ltd
6. Mobilise Communication Limited
7. Paribas Communications Limited
8. Systegra Technologies Limited
9. Taima Technologies Ltd
10. USK(S) Ventures International Ltd
11. Vas2nets Technologies Limited