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By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it has been monitoring the deluge of reports in the media over Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) demand to increase tariffs of telecoms services and has taken notes of the worries being expressed by telecoms subscribers on the agitation.
This was contained in a statement issued by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Dr Ikechukwu Adinde, on Friday.
According to the statement, the demand being made by MNOs under the auspices of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), citing high rate of running their operations as the reason for their proposed hike in tariff, was contained in a letter addressed to the commission.
“NCC will always ensure 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 will ensure that any cost determined, as an outcome of such transparent studies is fair enough as to improve healthy competition among operators, provide wider choices for the subscribers as well as ensure sustainability of the Nigerian telecoms industry.
“The NCC informed telecoms subscribers and allay the fears of Nigerians that tariff increase will not 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 accordance 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 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,” the statement read.