When you buy airtime, subscribe for data, or send that “how far” message on WhatsApp, have you ever paused to ask: Who exactly is providing this service, and how do they operate? Well, let’s break it down in simple Naija style.
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is the government agency that regulates everything telecom. But the NCC doesn’t do it alone—they give licenses to companies (aka licensees) who now bring the actual services to your phone and home.
Are you still confused about how this is done? Oya let’s break it down further.
Let me help you introduce or re-introduce some of these everyday licensees you interact with—whether you know it or not!
- Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
These are the Service Providers we all know:
- MTN
- Glo
- Airtel
- 9mobile
They give you SIM cards, allow you to make calls, browse, and send SMS. When your network dey misbehave, na these ones you dey always shout on. (kai… this MTN sef!)
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
These ones dey supply your internet directly—especially for your office or home Wi-Fi. Some names you might know:
- Spectranet
- SMILE
- MainOne
- Tizeti
- ipNX
When NEPA take light and you still dey browse, na these guys dey hold you strong!
- Value-Added Service (VAS) Providers
Have you ever received a “motivational quote of the day” or funny caller tune? Those messages that always lands on your phone like our typical Naija mother’s broadcast messages. That’s VAS work. These providers partner with the big network providers to deliver extras, sometimes unsolicited but mostly useful!
- Infrastructure Companies (Infracos)
You don’t really see these ones, but dem dey work underground (and sometimes on top of mast) to make sure network dey flow. They build and manage the towers and fibre cables that help all the other licensees work well.
Now, why does It really Matter to You?
The reason why NCC gives licenses to these companies is to make sure they don’t just collect your money and leave you stranded. They’re expected to give quality service, protect your data, and not overcharge. If they fail on this responsibility, NCC will call them to order. (you see, NCC dey for you!)
So, next time you load credit or use your Wi-Fi, just know say na one licensed company dey serve you—and NCC dey monitor them to make sure dem no do anyhow.
Are you experiencing any form of challenges with your provider?
Call NCC on the 622 Toll-Free Line or Visit: www.ncc.gov.ng.
Stay woke
Know your providers. NCC dey for you!