NCC and the Press

NCC Awards First Batch of Unified Licences

Following the Board approval on Saturday May 13, 2006, the Nigerian Communications Commission is pleased to announce the award of the first batch of Unified Licences to Multi-Links Telecommunications Limited, Prest Cable &Satellite TV Systems Limited, Intercellular Nigeria PLC and Starcomms Limited.

On evaluation of their applications these companies were assessed to have met the following approved criteria:

	Have an existing and operating network infrastructure
	Have a customer base of at least 10,000 connected subscribers or justifiable evidence of financial capability for substantial network rollout
	Must be up-to-date on submission of annual audited accounts
	Must be up-to-date on payment of company tax
	Must be up-to-date with equipment type approval
	Must be –up-to-date in settlement of interconnection obligations

This licence is granted to these companies to provide service on a non-exclusive basis in the designated licence area and other operators or prospective operators can also be granted licence in the same licence area. 

Provision of services under the new Unified Licensing regime will be subject to the geographical limitations contained in the existing licence. However, expansion to other regions can be allowed subject to availability of spectrum. 

At the expiration of the exclusivity period granted the digital mobile operators in February 2006, a Unified Licensing regime adopted by the NCC after wide consultations with stakeholders commenced. The new regime would open up the telecoms market for players who are in a position to offer multiple services without being limited to either fixed or mobile services.  

Unified Licensing would also attract new investment into the country and the deployment of more efficient technology. It would enable competing operators and service providers to rapidly deploy new services to meet market demand without having to seek multiple licenses. It promises more choices for the telecom consumers as well as enhancement of the vibrancy of the telecom sector. 

With Unified Licensing enhancing competition in the various segments of the telecoms market, prices of services are bound to fall.

DAVE IMOKO
Head, Public Affairs
May 15, 2006