Telecom operators’ demand to adjust tariff rate has been
granted as the Nigerian Communications Commission approved their request in
response to rising operational costs.
This development, which allows for a maximum of 50%
adjustment to current tariffs, was announced in a statement signed by Reuben
Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, on Monday, January 20, 2024.
The NCC said the adjustmnent is in line with Section 108 of
the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, adding that the new tariffs would remain
within the limits outlined in its 2013 Cost Study.
The commission also said the adjustments will adhere to its
2024 Guidance on Tariff Simplification.
The statement reads in part, “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.”
According to the commission, the adjustment was necessary to
sustain investment in infrastructure and innovation through improved services,
better network quality, and wider coverage.
“This decision was made after extensive consultations with
key stakeholders across the public and private sectors,” Muoka said.
While acknowledging the economic pressure Nigerians are
facing, the commission urged operators to implement the new rates transparently
and improve their service delivery.
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com