Telecommunications service subscribers have opposed the planned increase in the cost of voice calls, short message services (SMS) and data services in the country.
They were reacting to the letter by Association of Licensed Telecoms Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) about the possible tariff review.
However, the President, National Association of Telecoms Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMs), Deolu Ogunbanjo, said the Nigerian consumer is already overburdened.
The Association noted that the economic hardship, including high inflation, has shrunk disposable incomes significantly making the planned tariff hike ill-timed.
Recall that ALTON, citing a rise in energy cost, impact of insecurity and other operating challenges in the country on their operations, said they are left with no choice but to increase tariffs unless the situation improves.
The economic hardship, including high inflation, has shrunk disposable incomes significantly making the planned tariff hike ill-timed.
The telcos in a letter dated April 25, addressed to the leadership of the NCC sought for tariff increase, which was received and acknowledged by the Commission on April 27.
In the letter, they proposed a 40% increase in the cost of calls, SMS, and data as a result of the rising cost of business operations.
Based on their proposal, the price floor of calls will increase from N6.4 to N8.95 while the price cap of SMS will increase from N4 to N5.61.
The letter, which was signed by Gbenga Adebayo and Gbolahan Awonuga, chairman and head of Operations, respectively, said the challenges have impacted their operations significantly.
But Ogunbanjo urged a stay of action because subscribers are currently passing through a lot of challenges.
He said the telcos should hold the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isah Pantami, and the NCC responsible for the drop in their revenues.
