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Telecom companies, represented by the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), are eagerly waiting for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to release an official document outlining the rules for the recently approved 50% tariff increase. This follows the NCC’s decision on Monday to approve the hike, which aims to address rising operational costs and support the telecom industry’s growth.
Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere, president of ATCON, stressed the importance of the document in helping operators understand how to implement the new tariff changes.
“Although the approved increase of up to 50% doesn’t fully meet operators’ request for a 100% hike, it’s a step in the right direction to help close the gap between operating costs and revenue,” Emoekpere said. He added that the adjustment will help operators invest in infrastructure, expand their coverage, and improve service quality.
ATCON assured Nigerians that the tariff hike would ultimately benefit consumers, as telecom companies are committed to reinvesting the additional revenue into improving network quality, expanding digital access, and providing better customer service.
The association pointed out that despite the rising costs due to inflation, currency fluctuations, and other challenges, telecom tariffs in Nigeria have not increased in over a decade. These pressures, combined with the need for significant investments, have made it difficult for operators to keep up financially, putting the sustainability of the telecom sector at risk.
ATCON also acknowledged the NCC’s efforts to balance the needs of both telecom operators and consumers, and called for continued dialogue to address challenges and improve operational efficiency in the sector.
The telecommunications industry remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth by continuing to invest in better connectivity and services for all Nigerians.
