As against accusations that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) acted in its capacity to increase the cost of data plans in the country, indications have emerged that the operators were actually in on the plan.
Yesterday, after the commission said it was suspending the plan following widespread condemnations, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) which is the umbrella body of the operators in the country, revealed that it was in support of the data tariff floor. According to the operators, NCC acted in its capacity to set the data tariff floor – its statutory responsibility to promote healthy competition by periodically reviewing voice and data tariffs in the industry and ensure the sustainability of the Nigerian telecommunications industry.
The chairman of the association, Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, revealed that NCC conducted extensive consultation with the industry prior to the finalization of the data tariff floor, adding that it is within the statutory remit of the NCC for it to make decisive interventions to address data price concerns which had led to data prices falling to unreasonably low levels with the effect that telecommunications operators were unable to recover the cost of providing data services and reinvest in capacity expansion to accommodate the increased usage arising from lower tariffs.
ALTON further said that the situation has been compounded by the recent economic challenges characterized by the steep depreciation of the naira, the need to resort to the parallel market and foreign exchange scarcity which have considerably increased the capital and operational cost of providing telecommunications services, thus making current data tariffs unsustainable.
“This situation, if left unaddressed, could result in a sustained deterioration in the quality of data services across all networks and the attendant poor quality of experience for users. In this regard, our members await the conclusion of NCC’s market study when the Commission will be in a position to determine its requisite intervention.”
“We are aware that the NCC introduced the minimum price for data services to help ensure cost recovery and drive the continued investment in the telecommunications sector necessary for the provision of world-class data services for the overall benefit of the Nigerian subscriber and the Nigerian economy.
“It is our belief that interventions such as these are in keeping with the NCC’s tradition of implementing customer-centric regulatory initiatives such as the Do-Not-Disturb Service and the Mobile Number Portability Scheme which were introduced to enhance customer satisfaction with telecommunications services, the statement said.
ALTON also noted that price changes for data services across all networks following any intervention by the NCC are not expected to have a detrimental effect on broadband penetration contrary to some sentiments being expressed in the media.
“ALTON wishes to emphasize that while it is imperative that telecommunications operators continue to explore opportunities for provide their subscribers with more value for their money, it is important that prices be set at realistic levels which ensure that subscribers are not only able to afford services but that operators are also in a position to provide first-rate Quality of Service to their subscribers.”
