Subscribers Seek Justification for Increased Tariffs
The Federal Government’s approval of a decade-first telecom tariff hike prompts Nigerians to demand better service quality from operators. Subscribers, frustrated by frequent call drops and unreliable data, insist on immediate improvements in network performance. They urge telecom companies to prioritize upgrading infrastructure to justify the higher costs.
Economic Pressures Lead to Tariff Adjustment
Telecom giants MTN Nigeria and Airtel justify the tariff hike as necessary to tackle inflation, forex instability, and energy costs. Industry stakeholders argue the hike is crucial to cover rising operational expenses and maintain services for over 150 million subscribers. They stress that the increased tariffs ensure telecom companies remain sustainable amid economic challenges.
Concerns Over Consumer Impact
Critics argue that the tariff hike could disproportionately affect low-income subscribers, further straining access to essential communication services. Speaking with the press, the President of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogungbanjo, emphasized the need for operators to deliver value for money, stating, “Consumers should see tangible improvements in network quality following the price adjustments.”
Infrastructure Challenges Highlighted
Telecom operators have cited repeated disruptions caused by fibre-optic cable cuts and insufficient investments in infrastructure as significant challenges. Reports indicate that Nigerian telcos suffer an average of 43 fibre cuts daily, resulting in substantial financial losses. President Bola Tinubu recently approved a critical infrastructure protection bill to curb vandalism of telecom assets, underscoring the government’s commitment to tackling these issues.
Telecom Sector Under Financial Strain
The sector has faced mounting financial pressure due to rising energy costs and currency devaluation. Telecom operators spend billions monthly on diesel to power infrastructure, with these costs contributing to an urgent need for tariff adjustments. Airtel Nigeria’s CEO noted that operational costs have surged by over 300% in recent years, making price adjustments vital for sustainability.
Government and Stakeholders Monitor Developments
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured subscribers that it will oversee the implementation of the new tariffs to ensure operators reinvest in network improvements. Telecom companies have pledged to channel additional revenue into upgrading services, promising subscribers noticeable enhancements in quality.
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