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NCC’s 50% hike in call, data tariffs: What’s your take?

  T he Nigeria Communications Commission recently approved a 50 percent increase in telecoms tariffs for telecommunication companies in the country. Weekend Hope sought to gauge public opinions on the matter. Excerpts:

Sulyman Pakoyi, Mujeebah Shittu & Omowumi Oyewumi

Folorunsho Quadri Adewale

I felt bad about getting to know the new hike because the country is not conducive for us as youths and undergraduates right now. The hike in tariff will definitely put an end to some certain internet benefits thereafter.

Yahya Ahmad Imam

T he recent increase in communication tariffs is a development that would affect low-income earners and small businesses. For individuals who are already struggling to make ends meet, this hike in costs adds another layer of financial strain. Communication is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. From keeping in touch with loved ones to accessing vital information and running small businesses, it is a lifeline.
For households with limited income, the rise in tariffs means having to make difficult choices. Do they cut back on airtime and data to prioritize food and other essentials, or do they stretch already tight budgets to maintain basic connectivity? Either way, the outcome is distressing. Many families may find themselves increasingly disconnected, widening the gap in access to information and opportunities.

Deji Adewusi

A 50 percent increase in communication tariffs could lead to improved infrastructure, increased investment in technology, and sustainability for operators. However, it could also increase consumers’ burden, and reduce spending on other goods and services.
The increase could benefit consumers by improving internet speeds, reliable networks, and customer service, while also supporting providers in underserved areas. The impact on the economy could also be huge.
The approval of such a large increase should ideally be accompanied by clear justifications from the relevant authorities or communication companies. Transparency about how the extra revenue will be used to improve services or address challenges within the sector is essential to ensure public trust and minimise negative reactions. Balancing financial sustainability for providers with fairness to consumers is key.

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Abdurrazzaq Abdulmuhsin Bidemi

I’m deeply concerned about the NCC’s decision to increase the communication tariff by 50 percent.
The timing of this increase is particularly worrisome, considering the current economic challenges facing the country. Many Nigerians are already struggling to make ends meet, and this added expenses will only exacerbate their financial difficulties.
This increase may also have a negative impact on businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises that rely heavily on communication services to operate.
I hope the NCC will reconsider this decision and explore alternative solutions that won’t disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.

Alli Toheeb Ishola

T he increment in the communication tarrifs will likely be a burden on Nigerians, particularly the low income earners. This means that they have to spend more on whatever the do budget for communication.
Imagine someone earning a monthly salary of N250,000, who usually spends N20,000 on communication in a month, now with the 50 percent increase, he will have to increase his budget with a sum of N10,000 on communication, thereby increasing his monthly expenses.
The same thing goes for the business organisations, who depend largely on communication services to operate. The increment in the tariff could lead to higher operational costs, which at the end of the day will make it more harder for them to compete or remain profitable, especially in this hard economy.
On a final note, I will say the government should try as much as possible to kindly reconsider this step or provide an alternative way of assisting the citizens as far as communication service is concerned.

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Durosomo Taofeek

In my own opinion, I think the NCC is putting the cart before the horse, in that they could have ensured that network providers have upped their game in terms of the services they are providing (data and call) before increasing the tariff by 50 percent.
I’m more concerned about getting the proper service for the fees charged than paying such huge amount, even when network is still crappy and all of that.
The NCC should make sure customers get value for what they’re paying for, ensure that network providers don’t charge for service not eventually rendered and provide proper channels for complaints.
Imagine you making calls and the network is bad. They’ll continue to deduct from account balance and you’re unable to perfectly communicate. It’s most times, frustrating.

Odejobi Farouq

The recent approval by the NCC to increase communication tariffs by 50 percent is a development that requires careful consideration.
To be honest, we understand that telecom operators face rising operational costs due to inflation, infrastructure maintenance, and other economic pressures. The increase in tariffs might be a way to sustain their services and ensure continued investment in better infrastructure and technology but the consumer will also bear the burden of the hike in price, especially those who rely on communication to carry out day to day business.

Abdulmuqeet Adejola Lawal

T he recent approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to increase communication tariffs by 50 percent is a significant development that’s likely to impact consumers and the telecommunications industry as a whole.
On the other hand, the 50 percent tariff hike may pose financial challenges to Nigerian households and businesses, particularly in the current economic climate. The NCC has acknowledged these concerns and has mandated that operators implement the adjustments transparently and fairly, while also educating and informing the public about the new rates.

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NCC’s 50% hike in call, data tariffs: What’s your take?

Preparing for the other room…

NCC’s 50% hike in call, data tariffs: What’s your take?

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