The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced December 13, 2024, as the date for unveiling a new tariff plan for telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, Glo, and others.
The move is aimed at simplifying tariff structures, ensuring transparency, and promoting fairness within the telecommunications sector.
This announcement was made by the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Aminu Maida, during an event in Abuja on Thursday, November 28, 2024.
Represented by Reuben Mouka, the commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Maida reaffirmed the new date as definitive, following the postponement of the initial October 27 deadline due to unresolved stakeholder discussions.
The revised tariff framework mandates telecom operators to limit their tariff and promotional plans to a maximum of seven. According to the NCC, this restriction is designed to minimize complexity, protect consumer interests, and foster fair competition among service providers. Maida emphasized that the commission had addressed complaints about data depletion by directing operators to engage a reputable audit firm to investigate the issue. He also highlighted that data usage varies significantly on different devices, such as Android phones, and encouraged consumers to better understand their data consumption patterns.
In addition to its tariff revision efforts, the NCC is working to enhance consumer awareness, reaffirming its commitment to being a consumer-focused regulator. Public education campaigns have been initiated to ensure that subscribers fully grasp the factors contributing to data depletion and make informed decisions about their telecom services.
Separately, the NCC highlighted advancements in network technology, noting the security implications of the country’s ongoing adoption of 5G technology. The commission warned that the denser infrastructure and higher number of connected devices associated with 5G present broader cybersecurity challenges. Speaking at the Telecom Industry Risk Management Conference held in Lagos, the commission discussed the future risks and opportunities associated with emerging technologies, including 6G and 7G. Themed “Evolution and Future Risk Management in the Telecoms Industry: Harnessing Emerging Technologies and Trends,” the conference underscored the importance of proactive risk management as the telecom sector evolves.
With these developments, the NCC continues to position itself as a forward-thinking regulator, balancing the need for technological advancement with the imperative to protect consumers and ensure a fair and transparent telecommunications environment.
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