The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has licensed seven new companies to provide internet services, raising hope for that beleaguered segment of the telecom market.
The seven companies licensed between January and March this year, include: Bava Network and Technologies Limited; Netzplan Resources Limited; Sentient Networks Limited; Standard Communications Limited; Service Aggregation & Distribution Limited; Passage Telecommunications Nig Ltd; and IP Express Ltd.
They have now pushed the number of ISPs in the country to 99.
The ISPs play critical roles in providing last mile connectivity to people across cities, rural communities, and underserved communities and are key to achieving the country’s target of deepening broadband penetration.
However, there had been downward slide in the number of active ISPs present in the market and the scope of services they offer, a situation that has raised concerns among industry stakeholders and the regulator.
According to NCC, between 1996 and 2001, over 170 ISPs were licensed to provide Internet services to Nigerians, but from 2002 to date, the number of ISPs issued licences has dropped drastically and the number of licence renewal also fell heavily. However, the licensing of seven new companies in just three months showed a renewed interest in the ISP business. – Nig Comms Week.
