ALTON Reveals Telcos Set to Launch New Tariffs Soon

ACNN NEWS
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Telecommunications companies (telcos) will soon begin fully introducing new tariffs, according to the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON).

This follows the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) granting approval for a 50 percent tariff hike on January 20. Just days later, Finance Minister Wale Edun stated that tariffs in the telecommunications sector would undergo periodic reviews.

During a forum with telecom executives, ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo explained that telcos are currently filing, reviewing, and obtaining regulatory approvals for their new rates. He emphasized that once approvals are granted, different operators will begin rolling out the new tariffs.

“We are now following the required regulatory steps: filing, review, and obtaining approval,” Adebayo said. “Once the approvals are in place, price improvements will start. Over the next month, we anticipate a full introduction of the new rates. It’s crucial that we take the necessary steps for the sector’s survival.”

Adebayo also pointed out that the tariff adjustments are essential for the telecommunications sector’s survival, urging the government not to expect the industry to subsidize other sectors.

“We cannot continue to subsidize other sectors,” he stated. “Just because the cost of garri, pepper, and okro has risen, doesn’t mean we should sell services below cost. If we keep doing this, it will lead to negative consequences. Sustainable rates are needed, and the government must not outsource its problems to telecom operators.”

Adebayo emphasized that the government should offer proper support through palliative measures, rather than relying on the telecommunications industry for subsidization.

USSD Debt Resolution Progress

In regards to the N250 billion unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) debt with banks, Adebayo confirmed that progress is being made toward a resolution. He thanked all stakeholders for their efforts and noted that the issue is nearing a conclusion.

“The situation is improving, and we can now see light at the end of the tunnel,” Adebayo said. “Tensions in the sector have lessened, and concerns have decreased as we move toward a final resolution.”

On January 15, the NCC directed telcos to disconnect the USSD codes of nine banks if they failed to pay their outstanding debts.

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