The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has assured telecom subscribers that telecom operators will not approve the immediate increment of call, data, and SMS tariffs by 40 per cent.

NCC said there would not be any cost review in the telecom sector until empirical studies are conducted to ascertain if increments are necessary.

It made this known via a statement issued by the NCC Director of Public Affairs, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, on Friday.

It would be recalled that telecom operators under the auspices of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) had last week written a letter to the NCC seeking permission to increase tariffs by 40 per cent.

The operators cited high cost of running their operations as the major reason for the proposed tariff hike.

However, Adinde noted that telecom operators will not effect any tariff increase without the approval of the regulator, adding that the current tariff regime being administered by the service providers is a product of its “determination in the past.”

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The NCC spokesperson stated: “For the avoidance of any doubt, and contrary to MNOs’ agitation to increase tariffs for voice and Short Messaging Services (SMS) by a certain percentage, the Commission wishes to categorically inform telecoms subscribers and allay the fears of Nigerians that no tariff increase will be effected by the operators without due regulatory approval by the Commission.

“It is noteworthy that tariff regulations and determinations are made by the Commission in line with the provisions of Sections 4, 90, and 92 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, which entrusts the Commission with the protection and promotion of the interests of subscribers against unfair practices including but not limited to; matters relating to tariffs and charges.

“However, while there could be justifiable reasons for MNOs’ demand for tariff increase, it should be noted that they are not allowed to do such either individually or collectively without recourse to NCC, following the outcome of a cost study. This is not the case for now,” the statement partly read.

The Star