NCC allays subscribers’ fears, says no tariff increase for now

Claims Empirical Studies Would Need To Be Conducted First
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has allayed fears emanating from subscribers in the country following the agitation by telecommunications operators to increase services tariffs.

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 telecoms services and has taken notes of the fears being expressed by subscribers on the agitation.

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 is contained in a letter to the commission.

ALTON had last week proposed a 40 per cent increase in the cost of calls, Short Messaging Services (SMS), and data to the NCC as a result of the rising cost of running a business in the nation.

Based on their proposal, they expect the price floor of calls to increase from N6.4 to N8.95, while the price cap of SMS will increase from N4 to N5.61.

But in consistence with international best practice and established regulatory procedures, the NCC said it ensures 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.

NCC in a statement yesterday, signed by its Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ike Adinde, said it 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.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, and 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 current tariff regime being administered by the service providers is a product of NCC’s determination both for voice and SMS in the past,” NCC stated.

However, the telecoms regulator noted that while there could be justifiable reasons for MNOs’ demand for tariff 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.

“Through NCC’s commitment to engendering healthy competition among the licensees, the cost of services has been democratised and become more and more affordable for Nigerian subscribers. The regulator is even more committed to this cause to ensure subscribers get greater value for money spent on telecom services.”