The Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) has set an administrative fee of ₦250,000 for companies seeking an Interim Service Authorisation (ISA), a temporary permit that allows telecommunications operators to test new services before full commercial rollout.
The fee is contained in the Commission’s newly released General Authorisation Framework, a regulatory initiative aimed at encouraging innovation while protecting consumer interests in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.
Under the framework, startups, technology-driven firms, and existing operators introducing novel services can conduct pilot tests in live market environments without first securing a full telecommunications licence.
NCC said the approach allows service providers to assess technical feasibility, market demand, and operational risks, while enabling the regulator to evaluate service quality and consumer impact ahead of large-scale deployment.
Applicants are required to pay the ₦250,000 administrative fee at the point of application. Successful applicants may also incur additional costs related to spectrum allocation and numbering resources, where applicable. These charges are separate from the ISA fee.
The Commission explained that the framework is part of its broader effort to modernise Nigeria’s licensing regime and introduce greater regulatory flexibility. Speaking during the unveiling of the draft framework in July, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, noted that emerging technologies often fall outside existing licence categories, making regulatory adaptation necessary.
He said the initiative is designed to strike a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding consumer rights and the public interest.
Operators granted an ISA are permitted to test their services under strict regulatory supervision. Conditions include a maximum of 10,000 customers, operations limited to approved locations, and continuous monitoring by the Commission.
The authorisation is valid for an initial period of three months and may be renewed once, allowing testing for up to six months. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that the proposed service is new or significantly different from existing offerings. They must also explain how current regulations limit the service, outline consumer protection measures, and submit monthly progress reports throughout the testing period.
While temporary regulatory relief may be granted, obligations related to data protection, security, and consumer rights remain fully enforceable. NCC emphasised that participation in the framework does not guarantee the issuance of a full telecommunications licence, as any transition to commercial deployment will depend on regulatory assessment and the availability of an appropriate licensing category.
Industry stakeholders say the framework could stimulate innovation while reducing the risks associated with failed service launches. By allowing operators to test before scaling, the NCC aims to encourage experimentation in areas such as spectrum sharing, Open RAN technologies, and alternative connectivity models, without compromising service quality.
