Innovations Covered Under The Value Added Services (Vas) Licence Framework In Nigeria

Introduction

Information Communication Technology (ICT) has, without a doubt, greatly impacted virtually every industry, and the communications industry is no exception. Services such as bulk short message service (SMS), online games, data services, telemarketing, text messages and media messages, all of which are often referred to as Value Added Services ("VAS"), now constitute a part of our daily lives. The invasive nature and increase in the commercialisation of these VAS has increased the need for communications industry regulators in various countries to protect the privacy of consumers/subscribers and regulate VAS providers.

In Nigeria, the Nigerian Communications Commission ("NCC") is the independent regulatory authority for the telecommunications industry. Its mandate, under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 and the Wireless Telegraphy Act 1990, includes the regulation of VAS providers and operators. Pursuant to its powers and mandate, the NCC has