Communication Market Structure

The National Communications Authority has implemented a Unified Licensing Framework (ULF) which defines the following market structure for the Communications sector:

International Communications Infrastructure Provider License

  • The licensee or service provider has the international scope of operation only and shall be licensed to provide network facilities for connectivity to destinations outside Somalia. International network facility will be connected to national network facility to facilitate seamless connectivity and conveyance of services, applications, and content.

National Communications Infrastructure Provider License

  • A licensee with this type of license has the national scope of operation and may connect to the infrastructure of the International Communications Infrastructure Provider if there is a need for connectivity to destinations outside Somalia.

Regional Communications Infrastructure Providers

  • The service provider is licensed to build local networks or own a private network. A local network shall be confined to a city, town or village if it is meant to serve the public.

Application and Services Provider

  • This license type defines the services and applications to be carried in communications infrastructure and covers among others voice, data, Internet, SMS, IPTV, and value-added services

Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO)

  • License This license type is specifically designed to accommodate a network operator that offers mobile services but does not own infrastructure or its own radio frequency, it leases radio access from its hosting Mobile Network Operators (MNO). MVNO operates through commercial arrangements with licensed Mobile Network Operators.

Communications Infrastructure and Services Provider (CISP)

  • This license category allows operators to obtain a combined license for communications infrastructure, services, and applications in one license. It is essentially a license that gives a licensee a combined CIP and ASP license.

Terminal Equipment Providers.

  • This class license is classified into Class A: Big companies who manufacture and distribute Telecommunications terminal equipment, installations, and Maintenance.  Class B: Small companies that resell Telecommunications terminal equipment, installations, and Maintenance.

Private Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT)

  • This class license includes the VSAT operated through foreign hub operators.

Onetime Authorization (Class License)

  • This is a one-time authorization class license; it includes the Global mobile Personal Communications by satellite and dot SO subdomain name registrar service providers.
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