Telecommunication operators in Nigeria are considering increasing data and call rates to address current inflationary pressures. Companies such as Glo, MTN, Airtel, and 9Mobile are seeking approval from the federal government for this adjustment.
Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealed a rise in inflation to 33.20% in March 2024, up from 31.7% in February 2024. Despite this inflationary trend over the past decade, telcos have maintained consistent charges for calls and data.
Stakeholders in the sector are urging the government to either invest in the telecommunications industry as required or implement a tariff that reflects the actual costs incurred by operators, thereby facilitating necessary investments.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) issued a joint statement expressing concerns over the sector’s challenges. They criticized the government’s approach, stating that it could jeopardize the industry’s sustainability and undermine investor confidence.
ALTON and ATCON urged the government to engage in constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders to address pricing challenges and establish a framework that balances consumers’ affordability with operators’ financial viability.
