The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a 50% tariff hike for telecom operators, marking the first change in rates since 2013. This decision comes after network operators requested adjustments due to rising operational costs.The NCC emphasized that the new tariffs will remain within the limits outlined in its 2013 Cost Study and adhere to its 2024 Guidance on Tariff Simplification, ensuring transparency and fairness in implementation.
According to the commission, the adjustment is necessary to sustain investment in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services, better network quality, and wider coverage.Interestingly, some operators had proposed a tariff hike of over 100%, but the NCC capped the adjustment at 50%. This decision was made considering ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.
It’s worth noting that the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) had previously opposed a proposed 40% tariff hike, citing the economic burden on subscribers.“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.
“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.
“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,” the statement said.
Source : https://www.kemifilani.ng/
