The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted a Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) to Swift Telephone Network Limited (STN). This development marks a significant milestone for one of Nigeria's most resilient indigenous telecom companies. STN was founded in 1998 under the leadership of late Barr. (Mrs) Clara Adetuyi with a vision to provide innovative communication solutions.
STN began its operations as a modest umbrella and table calling spot to support the NUGA Games. The company quickly expanded its services, introducing voicemail services to the University of Lagos community in 1999-2000, a first of its kind. This innovation was followed by the provision of digital landline services in Yaba in 2003, a feat achieved when neither NITEL nor other operators had deployed digital telephony in the area.
STN further solidified its presence in the Nigerian telecom industry by helping power WAEC Direct in 2003, enabling millions of candidates to check results. The company also provided landline services to major government parastatals, including the Nigerian Military and the World Health Organisation. In 2005, STN secured its own operational licences from the NCC, choosing independence.
However, like many Nigerian businesses, STN faced challenges, and its operations ceased in November 2010, following infrastructure loss and boardroom issues. The company went through a name change in 2008 but was able to revive its operations. On 22 February 2022, STN formally submitted its application for the Unified Access Service Licence.
After years of planning, regulatory engagement, and persistence, the UASL has now been granted by the NCC. According to the Managing Director/CEO, Oluwole Adetuyi, "This licence is not the destination. It is the bridge. From a small business centre in 1998 to a UASL operator in 2026, the journey has been long. But the journey has never stopped."
The company's ambition is clear, as stated by STN's Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, Yetunde Okafor: "Our ambition is clear. To build a telecommunications company that is proudly Nigerian in its roots, global in its outlook, and transformational in its impact." The company aims to connect people to opportunities, businesses to customers, and Nigeria to the possibilities of the digital future.
STN will announce strategic partnerships and roll-out plans in the coming weeks. With this new licence, the company is poised to make a significant impact in Nigeria's telecom industry. The granting of the UASL to STN is a testament to the company's resilience and determination to provide innovative communication solutions to Nigerians.
Key points
- STN acquired a Unified Access Service Licence (UASL) from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
- The company aims to build a telecommunications company that is proudly Nigerian in its roots, global in its outlook, and transformational in its impact.
- STN will announce strategic partnerships and roll-out plans in the coming weeks.
