The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it has
monitored with keen interest the deluge of reports in the media on the demand
by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to increase tariffs of telecom services and
has taken notes of the fears being expressed by telecom 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.
Consistent 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.
The Commission, in a statement signed by Dr. Ikechukwu
Adinde, its Director of Public Affairs, 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.
The Commission informed telecoms subscribers and allayed the
fears of Nigerians that no tariff increase will be effected by the operators
without due regulatory approval by the Commission.
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.
However, 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 the NCC, following
the outcome of a cost study.
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.
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