The telecommunication operators have appealed to subscribers to support the recent tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), stating that it is in the interest of all stakeholders.
Mr Gbenga Adebayo, President of the Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), emphasised this point at a “Forum with Telcoms CEOs” event in Lagos.
He stressed that the industry’s sustainability is crucial for driving the economy and essential infrastructure.
Adebayo assured that the tariff hike is beneficial for the economy, aiming to improve services and make pricing more understandable.
He explained that various factors, including diesel prices, influenced the tariff review, and changes in these factors may prompt further reviews.
He argued that leaving tariffs to market forces, without interferences, would ultimately benefit subscribers.
Mr Tobechukwu Okigbo, Chief Corporate Relations Officer at NCC, credited the regulator’s efforts for the drop in SIM card prices over the years.
He mentioned that minimising NCC’s role in price control could be advantageous for the industry.
Mr Kenechukwu Okonkwo, Director of Product Innovation and Business Development at 9mobile, said that the regulator’s role is to ensure a fair market where operators can compete to offer better services.
He highlighted that automatic downloads and news subscriptions contribute to data depletion and that operators are educating consumers on managing data usage effectively.
Mr Femi Adeniran, Director of Corporate Communications and CSR at Austell Nigeria, focused on the importance of understanding customer needs and improving services.
He pointed out that Nigeria’s large economy and population present opportunities for all telecommunications players.
Adeniran emphasised that access, connectivity, availability, and affordability are essential, and the industry should welcome innovations that achieve these goals.
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