There are no plans by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to increase telecom tariffs next month, it was reported on Sunday.
According to the commission, the process for increasing tariffs is far more rigorous, data-driven, and evidence-based. It dismissed as mere speculation the notion that an upward tariff review was imminent.
A source within the commission attributed the unsubstantiated claims to certain telecom operators, stating that those behind such rumours were being economical with the truth.
The NCC source, who requested anonymity, explained that any tariff review would require approval from the commission’s management board.
The source said: “Let us look at the facts. As of today, the NCC does not have a management board in place to consider any tariff review. The President has not appointed a management board for the NCC.
“Secondly, it is only after board approval that the NCC can engage consultants to conduct a study on tariff reviews. Once the consultants complete their study, there will be a stakeholder engagement to consider the economic implications and factors necessitating a review.
“This process would include input from various sectors—researchers, academics, legal practitioners, and, of course, the telecom operators themselves.
“Only after this exhaustive process and the formulation of a new price template would the NCC announce a timeline for implementation, ensuring consumers and all parties are adequately prepared for any increase.
“A minimum of three months’ notice is required for such changes. None of this has been done, so how can the NCC possibly announce a tariff increase by January? It’s pure fabrication.
“Tariff reviews are data-driven and evidence-based decisions.
“The telecom operators complaining and insisting on the necessity of tariff hikes have not been entirely truthful. They argue that costs, including diesel prices, have risen, but they are using this as an excuse to gain an advantage.
“The last comprehensive tariff review was in 2013. It’s important to note that Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) still have room, under the existing price framework, to adjust their tariffs independently.
“The price templates established in 2013 have not been fully utilised. So, why can’t they adjust their prices individually?
“The current review sets the lowest charge an MNO can impose on subscribers at ₦6.40 per minute, with a maximum of ₦50 per minute. Yet, today, some operators charge ₦18, ₦15, or even less per minute. None of them is charging the maximum rate.
“Ask the MNOs why. They are sensitive to competition and fear losing subscribers if they make the first move.
“Another reason they deflect blame to the NCC or government is the backlash that any increase in tariffs or taxes would generate. We are fully aware of their tactics. It’s unfortunate that they are attempting to manipulate public perception.”
