Nigerian Communications Commission ( NCC) has allayed concerns of telecommunication subscribers on the demand by Mobile Network Operators’ (NNO’s) to increase tariffs of telecommunication services. NCC said the commission received the letter from the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) citing high cost of running their operations as the major reason for their proposed increase in tariff.
“Consistent with international best practices and established regulatory procedures, the NCC ensures that its regulatory activities are guided by regular cost-based and empirical studies to determine appropriate cost within, which service providers are allowed to charge their subscribers for services delivered.
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“The commission ensures that any costs determined as an outcome of transparent studies are fair enough 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 doubt and contrary to MNO’s agitation to increase tariffs for voice and short messaging services (SMS) by over 40 per cent, the commission wishes to inform telecoms subscribers and allay the fears of Nigerians that no tariff increase will be affected by the operators without approval by the commission.
“While there could be justifiable reasons for the MNOs demand for tariff increase, it should be noted that they not allowed to do so, either individually or collectively,” the NCC affirmed.
