We would like to inform our esteemed customers about a significant development in the telecom industry. In a recent move, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a request by major telecom operators to increase tariffs by up to 50%. This update may affect various services, including SMS, call rates, data plans, and even voice OTP charges.
Background and Negotiation Timeline
Negotiations began on January 5, 2025, when leading Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) approached the NCC to request a tariff review due to rising operational costs, infrastructure investments, and economic pressures such as inflation and fluctuating foreign exchange rates.
- Submission of Proposals: The MNOs (including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and others) presented their case to the NCC, outlining the economic challenges they face and the need to maintain service quality.
- Regulatory Assessment: The NCC initiated a thorough assessment of the proposals, examining market trends, cost implications, and potential effects on consumers.
- Stakeholder Consultations: In line with its mandate, the NCC conducted stakeholder consultations and sought expert opinions on optimal pricing structures.
- Final Approval: After careful deliberation, the NCC approved a tariff adjustment of up to 50%, aiming to balance consumer interests with the sustainability of telecom operations.
For official statements and more details on the negotiation process, you can visit the NCC’s website or read the news releases from Techpoint Africa and Pulse .
Likely Affected Products and Services
The approved tariff increase could affect multiple services across different networks:
- SMS Charges: Text message rates may see a noticeable uptick.
- Call Rates: Local and international call charges could rise in order to meet new operational cost requirements.
- Data Plans: Monthly, weekly, and daily data bundle prices may be adjusted, reflecting higher network maintenance and upgrade expenses.
- Voice OTP & Other Value-Added Services: Services like voice-based one-time passwords or premium information services may also experience changes.
While the NCC has set a maximum increase of up to 50%, the exact adjustments might vary depending on each operator’s pricing strategy and specific offerings.
Our Commitment to You
- Minimizing Impact on Customers: We understand the concerns this announcement may raise. Our top priority is to keep the impact on our customers as minimal as possible. We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders to explore flexible payment and plan options to help you manage costs effectively.
- Transparent Updates: We promise to keep you informed about any changes to our pricing structure as soon as details become available. We will share timely updates across our official communication channels (email, SMS, website, and social media).
- Superior Service Quality: Our goal is to ensure that any rate adjustments are matched by continuous improvements in network coverage, speed, and customer service. We appreciate your patience as we work to maintain the quality and reliability you expect.
Looking Ahead
As the telecom environment evolves, we remain committed to providing you with the best possible services. Your trust and loyalty drive us to continuously innovate and improve. We understand that cost changes can be challenging, and we assure you that we will do everything within our capacity to ease the transition.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding how these changes might affect you, please reach out to our customer care team. We are here to guide you through plan evaluations, cost-saving strategies, and to address any other inquiries you may have.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
For more information:
Disclaimer: The details provided here are based on current information available at the time of publishing. Tariff implementations may vary across different telecom operators. We will strive to update you promptly on any new developments or clarifications regarding these changes.