Unified Licensing: Facilitator for ICT Empowerment and National Development in Nigeria

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the positive development experienced in the telecom sector since 2001 when neutral licensing was granted to the Global System Mobile Communication operators (MTN, Vmobile, Globacom and Mtel) to operate for five years.

Design/methodology/approach

Discusses the unified licensing regime in Nigeria.

Findings

At its expiration a new licensing order; unified licensing regime was introduced by the Nigeria Communication Commission to replace the neutral license. The introduction of the unified licensing means an advancement in the country's information and communication technology (ICT) development. This technological advancement will make the nation e‐ready in the communication arena and further help to shrink the international divide.

Originality/value

The paper proviedes insights into how unified licensing has acted as a facilitator for ICT empowerment and national development in Nigeria.

Citation

Igun, S.E. and Prosper Olise, F. (2008), "Unified Licensing: Facilitator for ICT Empowerment and National Development in Nigeria", Library Hi Tech News, Vol. 25 No. 2/3, pp. 8-10. https://doi.org/10.1108/07419050820884483