The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) confirmed the report through a spokesperson.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
Beginning in January 2025, Nigerians would pay more for internet bundles, SMS, and phone calls. According to TechCabal, this follows the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a long-pending application for telecom pricing hikes with new rates. It is anticipated that the new rates would go into effect in January 2025.
Telecom behemoths like MTN Nigeria, Airtel, and 9Mobile have been lobbying for price changes to reflect economic reality for more than ten years, and this is the conclusion of their efforts. For eleven years, telecom carriers have been unable to hike prices despite skyrocketing operating costs brought on by headline inflation.
TechCabal was informed by a Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) spokeswoman that an official statement would be made with more information on the rate adjustments. An NCC representative told TechCabal, “We have considered the suggestions from the industry and the public, so this announcement will benefit the subscribers and operators.”
The current proposals call for a 40% increase in telecom rates. If approved, SMS fees would go up from ₦4 to ₦5.60 and phone call fees will go up from ₦11 to ₦15.40 per minute. A 1GB bundle will now cost at least ₦1,400 instead of ₦1,000 for data plans. In an interview on Arise TV on December 20, Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, acknowledged the necessity of price modifications, saying: “We think there may be a need for that.”
In the telecom sector, the NCC is in charge of examining and approving pricing changes. It denied Starlink’s request in October 2024 to raise subscription prices to ₦75,000 instead. Although the commission seeks to balance customers’ financial burden, it acknowledges that operational issues facing the sector may have an impact on investment and service quality.
The phone pricing rise is complicated by rising food inflation (39.93%), which raises concerns that it would lower internet usage in a nation that prioritizes digital inclusion. However, the telecoms have suffered large financial losses as a result of the current circumstances. In 2023, MTN Nigeria recorded a loss of ₦137 billion, and in the first nine months of 2024, the losses increased to ₦514.9 billion. In FY 2024, Airtel Africa also reported $89 million in losses, mostly due to difficulties in Nigeria.
The Association of Licenced Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) President Gbenga Adebayo contends that cost-reflective tariffs will encourage investment and contribute to long-term quality improvement, despite the telecom industry’s bleak forecast for the majority of the year.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
