The recent announcement by telecommunication operators in Nigeria to increase tariffs for data and voice calls has sparked outrage among Nigerians. Many have expressed their concerns and warned against any move that would further impoverish them. The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) released a joint statement urging the federal government to consider a price hike after 11 years of freeze.
They argued that the telecommunications sector is the only industry that has not adjusted prices despite rising inflation and high cost of doing business.
However, the Association of Telephone, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS) and the National Association of Telecommunication Subscribers (NATCOMS) have strongly opposed the price hike.
They believe that Nigerians are already struggling financially and any further pressure on their earnings would be detrimental. ATCIS President, Sina Bilesanmi, emphasized the importance of involving subscribers in such decisions, as promised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
NATCOMS President, Mr. Adeolu Ogunbanjo, also warned against excessive price hikes and advocated for a minimal increase that would not burden consumers.
Many Nigerians have voiced their dissatisfaction with the proposed tariff hike, describing it as inhuman and insensitive to their plight. They have highlighted issues such as poor network quality and the increasing cost of living.
Some have even accused telecom operators of stealing from them through hidden charges and reduced data allowances. The telecommunication operators have called on the government to address industry challenges such as taxation, regulations, right of way (ROW), charges, inadequate power supply, and infrastructure vandalism.
They have also urged the government to prioritize the security of telecommunications infrastructure to prevent sabotage and vandalism.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
