NCC plays down telcos’ tariff hike threat
The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC, yesterday, officially admitted receiving a letter from telecommunications operators requesting for tariff increment.
However, the commission quickly allayed fears that such threats could be carried out because, accordingly, even the operators know that the issue of tariff increment follows a rigorous cost-based study which has a due process.
A statement confirming receipt of the letter and the commission’s response to it, issued by the Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, said :: “The commission has monitored with keen interest the deluge of reports in the media on the demand by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) ostensibly to increase tariffs of telecom services and has taken notes of the fears being expressed by telecom subscribers on the agitation.
“The demand being made by MNOs under the auspices of the Associatoon of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), citing high cost of running their operations as the major reason for their proposed tariff hike, is contained in a letter to the Commission.
“Consistent with international best practice and established regulatory procedures, the NCC ensures 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 ensures that any cost determined, as an outcome of such transparent studies is fair enough as to enhance healthy competition among operators, provide wider choices for the subscribers as well as ensure sustainability of the Nigerian telecoms industry.
