Reuben Mouka the, the Public Affairs Director of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has today announced the regulator’s approval of a 50 percent increase in tariffs for telecom services.
This approval is in response to the requests of Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and other stakeholders to increase tariffs given the market challenges and economic turbulence.
What Does This Mean?
This simply means that the prices of telecommunication services like calls, data, SMS, and other such services are set to increase.
Why Now?
With rising inflation rates, fuel subsidy removal, Naira devaluation among other economic challenges, the tariff hike seemed necessary, especially with over a decade of constant tariff rates since 2014. Here's what the NCC says...
Tariff rates have remained static since 2013, despite the increasing costs of operation faced by telecom operators. The approved adjustment is aimed at addressing the significant gap between operational costs and current tariffs while ensuring that the delivery of services to consumers is not compromised.
These adjustments will support the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage.
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The NCC recognises the financial pressures faced by Nigerian households and businesses and remains deeply empathetic to the impact of tariff adjustments. To this end, the Commission has mandated that operators implement these adjustments transparently and in a manner that is fair to consumers. Operators are also required to educate and inform the public about the new rates while demonstrating measurable improvements in service delivery.
Read the full press release by the NCC HERE