NCC allays subscribers’ fears as MNOS agitate for increase in tariff

Admin l Friday, May 06, 2022

 

ABUJA, Nigeria –  The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has allayed fears of subscribers following agitations by Mobile Telecommunications Operators, MNOs for increase in tariff.

In a statement, the NCC said  it has monitored with keen interest the deluge of reports in the media on the demand by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) ostensibly to increase tariffs of telecom services and that it has taken notes of the fears being expressed by telecom subscribers on the agitation.

The NCC said the demand being made by MNOs under the auspices of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), citing high cost of running their operations as the major reason for their proposed tariff hike  has been sent in a letter to the Commission.

It added that consistent with international best practice and established regulatory procedures, the NCC ensures that its regulatory activities are guided by regular cost-based and empirical studies to determine appropriate cost (upper and floor price) within which service providers are allowed to charge their subscribers for services delivered.

“The Commission ensures that any cost determined, as an outcome of such transparent studies is fair enough as to enhance healthy competition among operators, provide wider choices for the subscribers as well as ensure sustainability of the Nigerian telecoms industry”, the NCC said in a statement signed by its Director Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde.

The NCC noted that contrary to MNOs’ agitation to increase tariffs for voice and Short Messaging Services (SMS) by a certain percentage, the Commission wishes to categorically inform telecoms subscribers and allay the fears of Nigerians that no tariff increase will be effected by the operators without due regulatory approval by the Commission.

“It is noteworthy that tariff regulations and determinations are made by the Commission in line with the provisions of Sections 4, 90 and 92 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, which entrusts the Commission with the protection and promotion of the interests of subscribers against unfair practices including but not limited to; matters relating to tariffs and charges”, the NCC image maker said.

According to him, the current tarriff regime being administered by the service providers is a product of NCC’s determination both for voice and SMS in the past.

“However, while there could be justifiable reasons for MNOs’ demand for tarrif increase, it should be noted that they are  not allowed to do such either individually or collectively without recourse to NCC, following the outcome of a cost study. This is not the case for now”, the commission explained.

The commissioned noted that as part of effort to ensure healthy competition among the licensees, the cost of services has been democratised and become more and more affordable for Nigerian subscribers and that the regulator is even more committed to this cause to ensure subscribers get greater value for money spent on telecom services.