The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it will allow any tariff increase by telecommunication companies (MNOs) without adequate approval.
The NCC stated this in a statement issued by its Public Affairs Lead, Ikechukwu Adinde, yesterday.
The Commission said contrary to MNOs agitation to increase tariffs for voice and Short Messaging Services (SMS) by a certain percentage, the NCC 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.
The statement partly reads: The demand being made by MNOs under the auspices of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, (ALTON), citing the high cost of running their operations as the major reason for their proposed tariff hike, is contained in a letter to the Commission.
The Commission ensures that any cost determined, as an outcome of such transparent studies is fair enough to enhance healthy competition among operators, provide wider choices for the subscribers as well as ensure the 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.
The current tariff regime being administered by the service providers is a product of NCCs 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 NCC, following the outcome of a cost study. This is not the case for now.
On Wednesday, telcos asked for upward reviews in voice calls, short message services (SMS) and data costs.
In a letter addressed to the NCC, ALTON suggested an upward review in the price of calls and SMS.
