The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval for two mobile network operators, MTN Nigeria and 9Mobile, to carry out trial on the workability of embedded Subscriber Identification Modules (e-SIM) Service in the country.
In a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, the trial will run for a period of one year.
The trial will include the testing of 5,000 e-SIMs by the two networks.
This is subject to compliance with a number of regulatory conditions.
These conditions include full compliance by the MNOs with the Registration of Telecoms Subscribers Regulations 2011; the Mobile Number Portability Regulations and Business Rules 2015; Guidelines on SIM Replacement 2017; and non-degradation of the Quality of Service (QoS) experience by users of e-SIMs.
ALSO READ: NCC: Nigeria’s Mobile Subscribers Surpass 200 Million
According to Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the primary objective of the e-SIM trial is to assess the technical performance of the e-SIM on telecoms service providers’ network towards eventual rollout, if satisfactory.
An e-SIM is a small chip that is embedded on a mobile phone or smart device.
Also, the design is for convenience, flexibility and simplicity.
Besides, the e-SIM makes it easier for subscribers to choose a pre-paid plan provider and switch between network operators.
Furthermore, the information on the e-SIM is rewritable by operators and the identification information can be updated over time.
According to the EVC, the e-SIMs is a technology that will eliminate the need for physical SIM card slots on mobile devices.
Additionally, the trial is in line with the Commission’s approach to ensure Nigeria’s telecoms ecosystem is in tandem with global best practices.
Found this interesting? Share!
and then