…eyes big pie in telecom sector
Swift Telephone Network Limited, STN, has announced the award of a Unified Access Service Licence, UASL, by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, as it joins Nigeria’s fast growing telecoms industry.
The milestone marks STN’s formal evolution from its early beginnings as a telephone call service operating under an umbrella structure, into an independent Nigerian telecommunications company positioned to build the next generation of digital infrastructure in Nigeria.
Chief Executive Officer of STN, Oluwole Adetuyi said: “This UASL is not just a licence. It is a new chapter. It represents where we started, what we have endured, how we have evolved, and where we are going. We are building in Nigeria, for Nigeria.”
STN’s journey mirrors the story of Nigerian enterprise. From humble beginnings providing basic telephony, the company has endured changing economic conditions, evolving regulations, and market challenges.
Through perseverance and adaptation, STN has transformed into a full-service operator ready to compete and create value at scale.
The UASL grants STN the ability to provide a full range of telecommunications services such as voice, data, and access across Nigeria.
Reflecting on the resilience of STN, Adetuyi said this milestone reinforces a larger truth about Nigerian businesses to stand the test of time.
“They can evolve, compete globally, and build institutions of lasting value from Nigeria. At a time when the digital economy is central to national growth, STN is proof that local ambition, backed by resilience, can deliver world-class infrastructure”, said Adetuyi.
As STN enters this new phase, the company is committing to building a truly Nigerian telecommunications ecosystem.
Some of the key pillars of the telecom firm include, “Investment in skills development and training for Nigerian engineers, technicians and digital professionals; Prioritising partnerships with Nigerian service providers, contractors and vendors across the value chain as well as collaborations with global technology partners to deepen indigenous technical capabilities.
Other key areas, according to the company, include infrastructure development, as it intends to roll-out telecommunications infrastructure to expand access and bridge the digital divide and creation of direct employment and opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs in distribution, retail and support services, including increasing Nigerian ownership and leadership in the telecoms value chain.
“Our ambition is simple: to help build Nigeria’s digital economy from the ground up,” Adetuyi said.
He added: “This licence gives us the platform. Nigerian talent, Nigerian partners, and Nigerian innovation will give us the momentum.”
Director,Legal and Regulatory Services,Mrs Yetunde Okafor,explained further that “STN will in the coming weeks announce strategic partnerships, infrastructure rollout plans, and programmes to engage investors and stakeholders as it begins commercial operations under the UASL.”
Swift Telephone Network Limited is an independent Nigerian telecommunications company.
Okafor said “from its origins as a telephone call service, STN has evolved into a UASL-licensed operator committed to building resilient, inclusive, and innovative digital infrastructure for Nigeria.”
Recall that the UASL issued by the NCC authorises the holder to provide a comprehensive range of telecommunications services including fixed, mobile, voice and data services across Nigeria.
