Although Global System for Mobile Telecommunication (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) services operate in the deregulated telecom sector, government still hold much grip through its regulatory agencies. This study examined subscribers’ satisfaction with the activities of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Consumer Protection Council (CPC) in Ibadan, Southwestern Nigeria. The study surveyed a sample of 1600 respondents selected from Ibadan Main City (MC) and Less City (LC). Also, 34 In-depth Interviews (IDIs) and 4 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted. Fifty four percent of the respondents from MC and 60.0% from LC described deregulation as beneficial. A total of 32.8% described CPC as effective in its mandate, while 68.0% stated that NCC was effective in its mandate. Qualitative data showed that many respondents did not know that CPC had a role to play in the sector. Most respondents were familiar with NCC as regulator in the sector, though the agency was labeled as partial and not sincere in its activities. NCC and CPC officials identified unethical practices in promotions by service providers, exploitation of subscribers and problem of infrastructure as real challenges in the sector. The role of NCC and CPC will continue to be relevant in the sector to distribute the gains of deregulation equally among stakeholders. Regulatory agencies should be proactive in mitigating the challenges in the sector and protect subscribers from abuse and exploitation from service providers.

Keywords: Telecommunication, Deregulation, Regulation, GSM, Benefits

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