Frequently Asked Questions

Licensing

  1. What is a License?

    A license is legal document that grants you the authority to engage in a telecom business or to provide a telecom Service.

  2. What are the categories of licenses you offer?

    There are two categories of licenses namely: class license and individual license.
    • A Class license is a type of general authorization. The terms and conditions/obligations are common to all the holders. Requires only registration with the Commission for applicants to commence operation.
    • Individual license is a type of authorization whose terms, conditions and obligations; scope and limitations are specific service provision.

  3. What is a Unified License?

    A Unified License is an authorization that allows the licensee to provide a basket of services under a single license. For example, under a Unified License, the licensee may be allowed to provide Mobile and Fixed telephony services, National Long Distance, Gateway services under one license.

  4. What is the procedure for obtaining a license?

    Visit the Licensing Process page on the NCC Website.

  5. How much does it cost to obtain a license?

    The license fees payable varies according to the services.
    Visit the Licensing Fees & Pricing page on the NCC Website.

  6. How can I make payment to the Commission?

    Visit the Licensing Process page on the NCC Website.

  7. How long does it take to obtain a license?

    • According to the provision of the Nigerian Communication Act 2003, an applicant must receive a response with respect to license application within 90 days of the submission of the application. However for Class Licence, once your application is complete, you get your offer letter immediately.
    • For individual licence, depending on the service and completeness of required information and availability of resources such as spectrum, the conclusion of the process takes between 4 to 8 weeks.

  8. Do I need authorization from NCC to run a cybercafé?

    You require a Class license to run a cybercafé.

  9. How can we obtain the list of existing licensees in a particular category?

    Visit the List of Licensees page on the NCC Website.

  10. What is Value Added or Content Service?

    1. Value Added telecommunication services are non-core telecommunication services which are beyond standard voice calls. These services include Internet, Call Directory Service, Voice Mail and Prepaid Calling Card service. The service providers do not require owning their own networks to provide the service and may ride on existing networks.
    2. Content Service are Premium Charged services which are supplied either in-house by the mobile network themselves or by a third-party (Content Provider). These services include MMS, Ring Tones, Weather Reports, Flight information schedule, sports, entertainment et cetera.

  11. Some people are operating telecom services without licence. What is NCC doing to ensure that licensed operators recoup their investments?

    The Commission has a surveillance programme aimed at identifying illegal operators and appropriate sanctions/enforcement action against any defaulter who fails to regularize operations. The Commission would be pleased to receive information from the public on suspected illegal operators.

  12. Is there any guideline on VoIP Services?

    The Commission does not license VoIP services but regards it as technology. Please see the Legal and Regulatory links of the NCC website.

  13. Can we visit any of your Zonal Offices to process and obtain a license?

    The Zonal Offices are set up to assist in processing licenses for applicants’ resident in their locations or contiguous states.

  14. Can we have the addresses to your Zonal Offices?

    Visit the Contact Us page on the NCC Website.

  15. Can I process my application directly with the Commission without a third party?

    You can process your licence directly with the Commission. It is advisable and will not cost you anything more than the required licence fee. NCC has not appointed any agent for the purpose of obtaining a license.

  16. What is the minimum share capital required by a Company applying for a licence?

    NCC has not set any minimum share capital. However, the Commission is particular about the financial capability of an applicant to deploy service in the license category chosen.

  17. Can a foreign company apply for a license?

    All Companies applying for a license must be registered in Nigeria by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

  18. Does NCC grant License for establishment of an FM Radio Station?

    The Nigerian Broadcasting Commission is the Government Agency responsible for the granting of license for the establishment of an FM Radio Station.

  19. Is Renewal of Expired Licence Automatic?

    No, expired Licences are not renewed automatically. Licensees, desiring to renew their Licence, are required to apply for renewal, six months before the expiration of the Licence.

  20. What happens, if a Licensee does not wish to renew its Expired Licence?

    A licensee that is no longer interested in providing telecommunication business in the scope of its Licence, would be required to submit a notification of ‘Intention not to renew the Licence’ or ‘Surrender of Licence’ (as the case may be). Such applications would be approved when such firm has been absolved of all obligations to the Commission.

  21. When should a licensee apply for the renewal of its Licence?

    The Licensee, desiring to renew its Licence is required to apply for the renewal, six months, before the expiration of the Licence.

  22. What is the processing time for the Renewal of Expired Licence?

    The processing of expired license is immediate, upon the fulfillment of all license obligations, as contained in respective Licence document.

  23. What is the cost of renewing a Licence?

    The cost of the renewal of an expired Licence, is equivalent to the cost of the initial Licence fee.

  24. How long does it take to produce Licence document?

    Approximately ten (10) days, from the date, the company’s evidence of payment is received by the department.

  25. What are the obligations of a Licensee to the Commission?

    All Licence obligations are stated in the Licence document issued to the licensee. Licensees are obligated to read and study licensing obligations.

  26. When is the expected Roll out Obligation /Commencement of Service?

    A licensee is obligated to commence operation, six (6) months, after it has been issued an operating Licence. Where the licensee is unable to meet up with the obligation, the Licensee is expected to revert to the Commission on its inhibition to commencement.

  27. What are the requirements for obtaining Class and Individual Licences?

    The requirements for obtaining Class and Individual Licenses are available on the Commission’s website; www.ncc.gov.ng

  28. Can an individual obtain a permit from the Commission for the Sale of recharge card and repair of mobile phones?

    No, authorization for provision of telecommunication services are granted only to a registered Business Name or a Limited Liability Company.

  29. What is the process of obtaining shortcodes and the cost?

    The operator is required to submit an application to the Commission for the attention of Technical Standard and Network Integrity (TSNI) Department.

  30. What is the process of equipment type approval?

    Type Approval of equipment Form AP.03 is available on the Commission’s website: www.ncc.gov.ng