By The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) On July 29, 2024 has issued new guidelines aimed at making telecom tariff plans and promotions simpler and more transparent. The goal is to make it easier for consumers to understand their options, ensure fairness, and promote healthy competition among telecom companies.
The new rules apply to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and some other telecom companies. The main points include limiting MNOs to offering no more than seven tariff plans and 100 bundles. There’s no limit on the number of optional add-ons, like premium content or extra data, a subscriber can choose.
A major change is that promotional features, such as loyalty rewards or extra minutes on recharges, must now be offered separately from regular tariff plans. This means customers can choose to take part in promotions without affecting their regular plan. Telecom companies can still offer bonus-based plans until December 31, 2024, but they must eventually shift to a simpler system.
The NCC also requires telecom companies to clearly list their plans and pricing on their websites so customers can easily compare them. The plans must be easy to understand and include all necessary details, like pricing, terms, and conditions.
Other key points include making sure data bundles are sold separately at fair prices, eliminating unnecessary charges, and making changes to tariff plans transparent by notifying customers 30 days before anything is altered. All new tariffs and promotions need approval from the NCC through its online portal.
Telecom companies have 90 days to comply with these rules, and they must submit their plans for any existing tariffs by August 12, 2024. If companies don’t follow the guidelines, they could face penalties like fines or suspension of tariff approvals.
