Telecom
TSSF 2.0: Expert Highlight Ways MVNOs Can be Successful in Nigeria

As Nigeria continue to gear towards the licensing of Mobile Virtual Network Operation, a Mobile Network Infrastructure Provider expert, Mr Satya Mekala has disclosed ways and techniques that can be adopted for a successful operation of the virtual network in the country.
While applauding the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for announcing the licensing of MVNOs in the country, the Managing Director, Wireless Technology Labs, Satya Mekala said the definition of business aims, focus, analysis, planning and commitment from management to
make the MVNO work are fundamental.
Mekala made this disclosure at the Business Remarks Telecom Sector Sustainability Forum (TSSF) held in Lagos with the theme “Creating Awareness and Ensuring Sustainability of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria’s 5G Ecosystem”.
As per the report by Fortune Business Insights, He said the global MVNO Market Size is projected to reach USD 67.54 billion in 2020 and USD 123.40 billion in 2028, at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period, 2021-2028.
Speaking under the sub-topic, “How to build a successful MVNO business in Nigeria”, Mekala posited that the success of an MVNO is heavily dependent on choosing the right strategy to acquire sufficient subscribers.
To choose the right market segment to acquire a lot of subscribers quickly, the acquisition strategy must be well designed as this is one of the highest costs for an MVNO. Mekala also stated that it is about the means available to access the service offering as MVNOs offering data services only may want to subsidize smartphones. This can create huge debt in the beginning, he highlighted.
While advising potential operators on choosing the right offerings wisely, he emphasized the need for operators to differentiate their offerings so that customers can see the benefits to take your service. According to him, MVNO is a volume business. More subscribers mean more revenue.
“Initially customers will come to you to get better pricing. The transparent and easy-to-understand pricing structure is important.”
Sharing more insights, he said the barrier to starting an MVNO is very low, and many fail to establish a sustainable business model. Worldwide, only 20% of the conceived MVNOs survive. However, Mekala noted that effective voice and data bundles are key to customer acquisition. Bundling VAS services can help MVNOs to acquire a particular group of customers (mobile banking, online gaming etc). Also, Specialized MVNO who sells only IOT SIMS on 4G / 5G networks is very interesting.
According to him, it is important to assure that the economics of telecom are well understood and that the business plan is built up accordingly. What is the end game of an MVNO? What is the exit strategy?
Speaking further, he said forging a win-win agreement with a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) will play a key part in any MVNO’s success.
“The secret is having solid partnerships with the host operator and other partners. Having an experienced technical partner as well as a vendor is crucial. A good contract with a network operator that is easy to renegotiate if it becomes necessary to switch network hosts is essential. Ensure that the final contract is adaptable enough to meet new requirements, such as the need to accommodate data IoT offerings, and future opportunities with upcoming 5G networks” he said.
Furthermore, Mekala advised MVNOs to include a rural connectivity strategy in their plan. While highlighting that over 45 million Nigerians are without connectivity, building rural networks MVNO can acquire a captive customer base that will make the company stable and achieve a faster return on Investment (ROI).
On her part in her welcome address, the Convener, Bukola Olanrewaju who also doubles as the Managing Editor of Business Remarks said the increasing number of mobile subscribers, technological advancements, and demand for connectivity has played an important role in creating a significant opportunity for MVNOs to thrive in the sector.
“By 2020, some estimates put the total number of MVNO subscribers on the continent at upwards of 110 million – not far off four times the total number in the USA.
“The introduction of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) is believed to add value for both operators and customers; for the operators by using their available excess capacity and for the customers by offering innovative and several niche value-added services that were not offered by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
“From the consumer side, MVNOs can provide more competitive offerings, which means lower costs without compromising on service. Utilizing network capacity without having to own it frees up costs that are then passed down to the consumer.” She said.
Telecom
Lebara Nigeria, MVNO Oils Machine for Q3 Launch with Personalized Number Reservations

Lebara Nigeria is building excitement for its upcoming Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) launch, giving customers a chance to secure a personalized piece of their mobile identity.
The company has opened a Number Reservation Portal, allowing users to reserve their preferred mobile numbers before the official service goes live in the third quarter of 2025.
This strategic move is all about giving customers a sense of ownership from day one. Using the carrier’s 0724 prefix, users can choose a number that’s meaningful to them, whether it’s a birthday, a lucky number, or an easy-to-remember pattern.
The reservation process is straightforward. Users must be at least 13 years old and provide a few basic details to get a one-time password via email.
Once verified, they’ll need to enter their National Identification Number (NIN), which the system uses to confirm personal information.
After this, a list of available numbers appears, and a final confirmation email completes the reservation.
Lebara, a London-based global MVNO, according to yozzo.com, is no stranger to the telecom world, with a strong presence as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) across Europe and other regions.
Its entry into Nigeria is a calculated move to carve out a space in the highly competitive market.
By allowing customers to pick their numbers early, Lebara hopes to build loyalty and highlight its customer-first philosophy.
The company plans to operate a lean, technology-driven model by leveraging existing network infrastructure, which will help keep costs low and make its pricing competitive.
At launch, Lebara will offer nationwide coverage, a dedicated 0724 number series, and both SIM and eSIM options.
Beyond traditional connectivity, Lebara is also partnering with local government and the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy to launch public Wi-Fi hubs and promote digital inclusion for creators and underserved communities.
The core of its proposition is affordability, transparent billing, and a strong customer service model designed to challenge established players.
Lebara’s entry won’t be without its challenges.
It will face off against many other competitors in Nigeria’s emerging MVNO space.
This wave of new entrants comes after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) issued 46 MVNO licenses, with many of the licensees expected to have already launched.
Despite this, the local media’s focus has largely been on only a couple of them, Vitel and now Lebara.
Telecom
Why Half of MVNOs in Nigeria May Collapse- Experts

Telecoms stakeholders have cautioned that many Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria could struggle to survive unless they address infrastructure gaps, target niche markets, and adapt to local realities.
The warning came during the sixth edition of the Telecoms Sector Sustainability Forum, organised by Business Remarks in Lagos on Tuesday.
According to the stakeholders, securing a license from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is not enough to ensure survival in a market dominated by major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) like MTN, Airtel, and Glo.
Chidi Ajuzie, director of USK Mobile, highlighted the stark reality facing MVNOs, noting that none of the over 40 licensed operators have fully launched services.
“Licenses are not cash cows. Too many people think that once you get a license, the money will start rolling in. The truth is, you must build infrastructure, study the market, and create services that meet consumer needs. Without that, many MVNOs will die out quickly,” Ajuzie said.
Ajuzie pointed out that smaller operators, particularly those in Tier 4 and Tier 5 categories, face significant financial hurdles in building their own infrastructure to support capacity.
However, he sees this as an opportunity for innovation, urging MVNOs to target niche markets such as youth, migrant workers, or fintech services, as seen in successful models in South Africa and India.
“Half of us may launch, but only those with clear strategies will survive,” he warned, predicting mergers and consolidations in the coming years.
Tony Emoekpere, president of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), echoed Ajuzie’s concerns, stressing that market differentiation is critical for MVNO survival.
“The MNOs already provide enterprise services, internet, and fintech. MVNOs must find gaps and focus on those,” Emoekpere said.
He cited Kenya’s M-Pesa, which revolutionized payments by targeting rural and low-income users, as a model for local innovation.
Emoekpere suggested that MVNOs could capitalize on Nigeria’s underserved rural areas, where millions lack access to reliable telecom and financial services. “Something as simple as a low-data package for POS machines in rural areas could be a game-changer,” he added.
Olusola Teniola, director, IPNX, cautioned against adopting foreign business models without considering Nigeria’s unique environment. “In some villages, people still travel by canoe or horse for hours to access basic services. If your business model doesn’t account for that, it will fail,” Teniola said.
He urged MVNOs to focus on the bottom of the pyramid, where millions lack basic connectivity, rather than competing for urban smartphone users.
Teniola also warned that failure to strengthen indigenous companies could lead to more profits leaving Nigeria through foreign-owned operators, emphasizing the need for policies to protect data sovereignty and foster local innovation.
The stakeholders said while MVNOs have the potential to expand Nigeria’s telecom sector and increase consumer choice, their survival hinges on strategic planning, niche targeting, and a focus on rural connectivity.
Without urgent action to address infrastructure challenges and adapt to local needs, many MVNOs risk disappearing before they can establish a foothold in Nigeria’s competitive telecom landscape.
Telecom
NCC Claims Nigeria’s Telecom Tariffs among Cheapest despite 50 Percent Hike

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has defended the recent upward review of telecom tariffs, insisting that Nigeria’s rates remain among the cheapest in the world due to strong industry competition.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja recently, Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, NCC, said that despite a 50% hike in tariffs, call rates have only moved from ₦15 per minute in the early 2000s to about ₦18–₦19 per minute today.
“Even with the increase, not all operators adjusted their tariffs. Some are still undercutting others. That is competition at work,” Maida explained.
He assured that the commission will continue to strengthen regulations to encourage competitiveness and transparency.
According to him, NCC is adopting an information disclosure strategy to enable consumers to make informed choices.
Maida also cautioned Nigerians against relying on Truecaller for identity verification, stressing that it is not linked to Nigeria’s SIM registration database and often provides misleading results.
He noted that while all SIMs in use are registered, some individuals deliberately use proxies, including domestic staff, to register SIMs an act he described as a crime.
The NCC boss disclosed that in September, the commission will launch a coverage and tariff map to help subscribers compare network quality and pricing across operators.
He further revealed plans for spectrum trades and leases to optimise usage and improve service delivery, adding that most Nigerian phones already support 4G, which remains the “sweet spot” for mobile broadband.
Maida emphasised the need for fresh capital and stronger corporate governance within the sector to sustain growth, enhance service quality, and strengthen national security.
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