The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved the request of telecommunications companies (telcos) to increase tariff.
In a statement on Monday by Reuben Muoka, the commission’s director, public affairs, NCC said the approval was pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators.
DAILY GIST reports that the telcos had asked for 100% tariff increases for voice and data at the time.
The NCC, however said was concerned that approving that increase would be deeply unpopular.
The commission stated that it wanted to strike a balance between protecting telecom consumers and ensuring the industry’s sustainability, including the thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecommunications ecosystem.
“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 percent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 percent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability,” a statement from the NCC reads.
