Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has issued a public notice stating that all currently unlicensed service providers will be required to apply for a permit to operate in the country by 31 August 2021. The request applies to all providers and operators of communications infrastructure, applications and services, internet services, terminal equipment, domain services and VSAT services.

TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database stated that in October 2019 the NCA launched a consultation process for the country’s first licensing regime for the ICT and telecoms sector and the new Unified Licensing Framework (ULF) was formally introduced in February 2020. The new framework allows for the provision of multiple services through the introduction of service and technology-neutral licences to promote innovation and competition. Three types of permits exist under the new ULF, namely: Communications Infrastructure Provider (CIP) Licence, which is required for the operation and provision of network infrastructure; Application and Services Provider (ASP) Licence, issued to service providers which do not own their own infrastructure but instead lease and utilise the infrastructure of a CIP; and Communications Infrastructure and Services Provider (CISP) Licence, a combined permit which allows holders to operate and provide infrastructure, services and applications.

Source: Commsupdate