Routelink recently received approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to receive an MVNO license, the third license the business has received since entering the Nigerian telecoms market.
The NCC noted that the MVNO certification is a fresh category of mobile licenses meant to close the gap between unserved and underserved locations in the nation in an official statement issued on Tuesday.
MVNOs are unique in that they do not possess a mobile spectrum license of their own but instead offer mobile services under their own brand names, utilizing the networks of licensed mobile operators. Femi Adeoti, the Group Managing Director of Routelink Group, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the company’s receipt of the MVNO licence, emphasizing that it will lead to reduced costs, increased service options, and improved service quality for subscribers.
Adeoti further stated, “Routelink is thrilled about the abundant opportunities present in the Nigerian telecom marketplace and is committed to making a substantial difference in terms of service quality and innovation.”
Ikechukwu Nguzo, the Managing Director of Routelink Telecom, shared his belief that the introduction of MVNOs in Nigeria holds the potential to stimulate growth in the local telecom industry. Nguzo also highlighted the numerous benefits that MVNOs offer consumers, including expanded coverage, innovative services, improved offerings, and partnership prospects.
Nguzo commented, “MVNOs have been gaining traction worldwide, largely driven by the increasing number of mobile phone users globally. The surge in smartphone usage and mobile data services, along with the growing preference for flexible and personalized mobile services, are the primary factors fueling this growth. However, the success of MVNOs in Nigeria will depend on various factors such as regulatory policies, infrastructure availability, and market demand.”
Earlier this month, the NCC had already commenced the issuance of MVNO licenses as part of its efforts to foster a conducive environment for telecom operations. The commission expressed its belief that these licenses will generate employment opportunities, bridge the gap between underserved and unserved communities, promote competition, and provide greater choices for telecommunications consumers.