The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted a Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) to Swift Telephone Network Limited (STN), a significant development in Nigeria's telecoms sector. This licence marks a major milestone in STN's efforts to expand its operations. The company, an indigenous telecommunications firm, obtained the licence after years of regulatory engagement and planning.
STN was founded in 1998 by the late Barrister Clara Adetuyi as a small umbrella and table calling centre to support the National University Games Association (NUGA) Games. The company introduced voicemail services to the University of Lagos community between 1999 and 2000, a pioneering service in the area. In 2003, STN deployed digital landline services in Yaba, Lagos, and contributed to the development of WAEC Direct.
The company provided landline services to several prominent organizations, including the Nigerian military, the World Health Organisation (WHO), and government parastatals. STN secured its own operational licences from the NCC in 2005 and had its name change approved in 2008. However, its operations were suspended in November 2010 due to infrastructure losses and boardroom challenges.
STN was revived in February 2017 by Oluwole Adetuyi, who, alongside Yetunde Okafor, worked to rebuild the business. The company resumed operations in September 2019 after settling regulatory obligations and having its licence reinstated. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted its enterprise business, prompting STN to reposition its operations and eventually submit an application for a Unified Access Service Licence.
On February 22, 2022, STN formally submitted its application for a UASL, which has now been granted by the NCC. According to Oluwole Adetuyi, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, this licence is a significant step in the company's journey, describing it as a bridge rather than a destination.
Adetuyi highlighted the company's priorities, which include skills development for engineers and digital professionals, partnerships with Nigerian vendors and service providers, expansion of connectivity to bridge the digital divide, and the creation of opportunities across the telecommunications value chain. STN also aims to strengthen indigenous technical capabilities as it expands its operations.
Yetunde Okafor, STN's Director of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, emphasized the company's commitment to building a Nigerian telecommunications business with an international outlook and impact. The company plans to announce its strategic partnerships and rollout plans in the coming weeks, as it seeks to connect people to opportunities and businesses to customers.
Key points
- STN obtained a Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) from the NCC.
- The company aims to expand connectivity and bridge the digital divide.
- STN plans to strengthen indigenous technical capabilities as it expands operations.
