A2P messaging illustration -Courtesy: Google
-Courtesy: Google
Ahead of the final draft for the Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging licensing, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has engaged relevant stakeholders for inputs, debate and concurrence of ideas.
The telecom regulator said it has presented the various feedbacks received as inputs from stakeholders into the A2P Licensing Framework being proposed by the Commission, adding that it has also given its responses to each or the observations and recommendations made by the licensees.
This was disclosed at the Virtual Stakeholders’ Forum, held at the weekend, which the Commission says is the beginning of the process, stressing that it will continue to engage internal and external stakeholders ahead of the Final Draft of the A2P Messaging Services Licensing Framework in line with its participatory rule making process.
A presentation by an Assistant Director at the Licensing and Authorisation Department of the NCC, Mrs. Truddy Tony-Awusaku, provided broader insight into the concept of A2P messaging in Nigeria.
DESCRIPTION:
Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging is a communication format in the telecommunications sector used to send Short Message Services (SMS) or sending notifications from an application directly to a recipient’s mobile phone.
Initiated through the Internet but recipients receive messages via Cellular Connection. In other words, A2P enables businesses to send SMS directly to recipients via mobile networks.
Common uses include marketing, notifications, alerts, transactional messages.
CURRENT STATUS OF INTERNATIONAL A2P MESSAGING IN NIGERIA
Lack of Regulation: No unified oversight.
Revenue Leakage: Payments often bypass local systems, not taxed, reducing economic benefits.
Security Risks: Increased spam, fraud, and illegal activities.
Market Disparities: Unregulated termination rates lead to inconsistencies.
JUSTIFICATION FOR LICENCING
Why Regulatory Oversight is Essential:
Standardized Tariffs and Fair competition.
Enhanced security against Spam and Fraud.
Fraud Prevention and Unwanted Traffic
Increased local revenue through Taxation and Levies.
Comprehensive Market Oversight.
LICENSING OBJECTIVES
Key Goals:
Centralize International A2P message Routing
Mandate compliance with a unified platform.
Protect user data with stringent security protocols.
Foster a competitive and transparent market.
LICENCE OVERVIEW
Scope of Licence:
Operate a centralized International A2P platform.
Route A2P messages securely.
Offer transactional and notification services.
Implement Subscriber opt in/out mechanisms
LIMITATIONS
Prohibited from providing Services not included in the Scope
No provision of non-licensed telecom services.
Prohibition against unauthorized activities.
Does not qualify for International Signaling Point Code (ISPC) and National Numbering Plan
KEY LICENSING FEATURES
License Fee: N10,000,000 Naira.
Tenure: 5 years (renewable).
Market: Open to competition with provisions for fair practices.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Registered Corporate Body in Nigeria
Have a Contract Agreement with a Host Network Operator or National Carrier
Proof of Financial Capabilities for CAPEX/OPEX
Any other as may be Required
TECHNICAL AND SECURITY REQUIREMENTS
Technical Needs:
Capacity to Integrate with local MNOs.
Capacity to route A2P Messages through Centralized SMS firewall.
Systems for Fraud detection, Data Protection & Encryption.
Security Measures:
Encryption protocols.
Data protection compliance.
Spam and fraud filtering.
INTERCONNECTION/INTEGRATION
A2P Provider must interconnect with licensees who provide voice and SMS services pursuant to an Interconnect Agreement duly approved and filed by the Commission.
All local MNOs and international A2P messaging service providers must integrate their systems with the centralized A2P platform within a specified period
REGULATORY COMPLIANCE
Adherence to all relevant NCC Regulations
Compliance to Nigerian Data Protection Regulation
Submission of periodic reports (Traffic data, Revenue, and Service quality metrics).
Compliance with standardized tariffs and licensing conditions.
BREACH OF LICENCE CONDITIONS
Sanctions, including fines, suspension, or revocation of the licence.
Non-compliance with Tariff regulations, failure to meet security standards, or tax evasion will attract penalties as stipulated by the NCC.
BENEFITS OF LICENCE
Improved Security: Safeguard against spam and fraud.
Revenue Retention: Local economic growth through taxation.
Market Oversight: Transparency in operations and tariffs.
Enhanced User Trust: Protection of subscriber data.
CONCLUSION
Towards a Secure and Regulated Ecosystem:
The International A2P Messaging Licence ensures fair, secure, and efficient communication.
Fosters economic growth while protecting consumers and businesses.
Encourages a competitive and transparent telecommunications market.
