National Carrier Licence
Act · Transport
An Act authorizes holders to build and operate national telecommunications backbone infrastructure for wholesale transport services. It targets companies capable of constructing this infrastructure and telecommunications operators needing long-distance services. It aims to encourage investment in fibre, microwave, and satellite networks.
National Carrier Licence
What Is This Policy?
A licence category that authorizes the holder to build, operate, and maintain a national telecommunications backbone infrastructure, providing wholesale transport services (long-distance transmission) to other licensed operators.
Who Does It Target?
Companies with the capacity to build national backbone infrastructure Telecommunications operators requiring long-distance transport services NCC licensing and infrastructure planning teams Infrastructure investors
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Encourage investment in national backbone infrastructure by licensing carriers to build long-distance fibre, microwave, and satellite transport networks that serve as the foundation for retail telecommunications services.
Key Features
Backbone Infrastructure: Authority to build and operate national-scale transmission networks Wholesale Services: Provision of transport capacity to other licensed operators on open-access terms Open Access: Non-discriminatory access to backbone capacity for all requesting operators Coverage Obligations: Minimum network coverage and rollout milestones Interconnection: Obligation to interconnect with other licensed carriers and access providers
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: National-scale backbone networks Lead Agency: NCC Current Licensees: Major carriers include infrastructure companies operating fibre networks across Nigeria
How to Access
Companies apply for a national carrier licence through the NCC. Submit application with business plan, technical design, and financial capacity evidence Pay the prescribed licence fee Meet rollout milestones and coverage obligations
Official Resources
Website: ncc.gov.ng Contact: Nigerian Communications Commission, Abuja
Legal Framework
Issued under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, which empowers the NCC to issue and administer telecommunications licences. Operates alongside the National Telecommunications Policy, the NCC Spectrum Management Regulations, and the ITU international telecommunications standards framework.