Commencement of Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

NIGERIAN Communications Commission (NCC) has set June 2012 for commencement of Mobile Number Portability (MNP).
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has called on the telecoms regulator to flag off the programme that will enable mobile phone users change operator without losing their unique number earlier this year
The growing trend of multiple mobile lines is also driving the market for dual SIM handsets in Nigeria. The group disagrees with the agency position that the ongoing SIM registration would have to be completed before mobile number portability can begin.
The association observed that the initial growth challenges of cost of ownership, coverage, accessibility and interconnectivity have all been reasonably addressed and offerings have also diversified to meet the ever growing needs of different market segments and niches.
Nigeria s telecoms regulator, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has confirmed that the delayed Mobile Number Portability would be introduced in the second-half of this year, confirming earlier statements about the issue.
Mr. Earnest Ndukwe, former CEO of NCC, had set May 2009 as the date for the announcement of a timetable for MNP takeoff. On the mode of implementation, he said that the NCC would engage the services of an independent company to oversee the process. He also revealed that the local operators were on board and ready.
 The Nigerian mobile space has grown to be the biggest in Africa judging from the subscriber base and revenue. It remains attractive despite the high cost of doing business thrust upon us by poor infrastructure especially electricity. It is no more news that all the operators rely on diesel to run their business.
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) is a very important concept because it addresses most of the challenges faced by subscribers. Mobile number portability (MNP) enables subscribers to preserve their numbers while switching to a different mobile network. It helps competition, facilitates consumer choice and ultimately reduces switching costs. Switching cost here does not refer to the amount paid to switch to another operator but a broader definition. It includes the cost of changing numbers on business cards, notifying family members, repainting business vans because of changed numbers, etc.
The NCC is thus very correct in its decision to implement MNP in Nigeria.
These programmes are implemented on three tiers, Capital cities, major urban centres, and the rural areas respectively.
This is a growing development that would be very fair to all when achieved. 

2012 AND TELECOMMUNICATION

Against the background of enforcement of quality of service (QoS) the regulatory body for service providers, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reiterated its position when it pointed out that 2012 would be a competitive year for operators because of number portability (NP).Number Portability is a telecommunications service that enables mobile phone subscribers retain their telephone numbers when they change mobile operators. This means that a subscriber can move from one mobile operator to another without losing his or her number. This is commonly referred to as ‘porting’.
Lets all pray 2012 is a better year for the masses

Bharti Airtel issues statement following judgement

In the Federal High Court of Nigeria, the honorable Justice Shuaib, handed down judgment in the matter between Econet Wireless Ltd (EWL) vs. Bharti Airtel Nigeria Limited. Bharti Airtel has since issued a statement to the media.

In the light of the judgment by the Federal High Court of Nigeria regarding Econet Wireless Limited's (EWL) claim to the ownership of 5% equity in Airtel Networks Limited (Airtel Nigeria), an appeal against the said judgment has been filed by Airtel Nigeria.

The company abides by and has full confidence in the law of the land, and believes the Appeal Court will determine the appeal on its merits.

In addition, the judgment will have no impact on the equity holding of other shareholders in Airtel Nigeria.

We wish to assure our customers, employees and business partners that the ruling will in no way affect operations or the company's ability to fulfill obligations to its stakeholders.