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Tag: the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)

  • PAP seeks employment opportunities for 18000 trained ex-agitators, beneficiaries

    PAP seeks employment opportunities for 18000 trained ex-agitators, beneficiaries

    The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has sought the partnership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for employment opportunities for some of the 18,000 trained ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the programme.

    Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Executive Vice-Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NCC in Abuja, Dr Aminu Maida, the PAP Administrator, Dr Dennis Otuaro, said that the commission’s support would help the scheme’s post-training empowerment scheme.

    Otuaro said there were ex-agitators and beneficiaries of the programme with the requisite qualifications and skills that the commission could employ to enable them to contribute to national growth and development.

    He said many of them had completed their formal educational and vocational training in relevant fields as part of the PAP’s effort at human capacity development.

    Otuaro, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Igoniko Oduma, described them as potential human resources that could be harnessed for the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta and the country.

    He said, “We are on a mission to seek support and collaboration with government agencies like the NCC to see how some of them can be engaged so that they can contribute their quota to national development.

    “The whole scope of the programme centres on national and human security, where the beneficiaries are trained in formal education and vocational skills, including information technology. Many people have been trained in various professional fields.

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    “So far, we have over 18000 persons who have been trained. These are potential human resources that should be harnessed for national development. By the design of the programme, we have the post-training, employment, and empowerment component.

    “So we have an army of human resources that will contribute to national growth when engaged. We also have persons with doctorates of philosophy (PhDs) that can be easily engaged, and that is the essence of the human capacity development that we carry out.”

    In his remarks, the NCC boss expressed the commission’s commitment to providing support and equal opportunities to people without bias, stressing that there should also be evidence of value from interventions.

    Maida said the commission was poised to carry out its mandate as a regulatory agency while ensuring access to digital connectivity by all citizens.

    He, however, called for infrastructure security against vandalism to protect digital assets and sustain digital connectivity across the country.

  • Media group commends NCC on professionalism, transparency 

    Media group commends NCC on professionalism, transparency 

    A media advocacy group, Volunteer Media Advocacy for Accountable Leadership, has hailed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the professional and transparent conduct of its recent promotion examinations.

    In a statement issued on Tuesday, the group commended the Commission for adhering to merit-based principles and public service standards, noting that its review showed full compliance with federal regulations, including oversight by the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

    The statement, signed by the group’s National Coordinator, Sir Aminu Augustine, revealed that promotions were granted strictly based on candidates’ performance and the availability of vacancies within each cadre.

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    “Not everyone who passed the exams could be promoted due to limited slots, which aligns with Public Service Rules and the NCC’s manpower structure,” the group explained.

    The advocacy group also noted that the interview panels were inclusive and well-structured, comprising representatives from all six geopolitical zones, as well as external observers and FCC officials.

    It further applauded the NCC for providing individual score breakdowns to candidates—a move it described as a strong indicator of transparency and accountability.

    The group urged other government agencies to emulate the NCC’s approach, especially in ensuring fairness and openness in their human resource management processes.

    “All indications point to a process that prioritized fairness, objectivity, and due process. The NCC should be commended for setting an example in public sector human resource management,” the statement said.

  • Increased telecoms tariffs and inconsistent quality service

    Increased telecoms tariffs and inconsistent quality service

    Four months ago (in January 2025), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a significant telecom tariff of 50%, which was implemented on 11th February, 2025. Some of the justifications given for the decision were due to rising inflation and foreign exchange volatility, resulting in higher operational costs for telecom operators. The objective of the approval of the increase is to ensure the sustainability of the industry. Accordingly, the NCC mandated that telecommunication companies (telcos) must improve their network quality within three months, with intensified scrutiny and heavier penalties for non-compliance. This condition was part of the tariff increase approval process. Consequently, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) insists that the “telecom tariff increase must result in significant service improvements”. Furthermore, the FCCPC and NCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices in the telecommunications sector.

     Nigerians and other telco customers have accepted the increase in telecommunications tariffs on calls and data. This is despite initial resistance by a lot of Nigerians and also the Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), who at one point threatened to go on strike if the telecommunication companies did not return to old tariffs.

     However, while some of us were not against the increase in the telecommunications tariff, I believe that the very important issue of quality service delivery and actual value for money should have been the issue on the front burner. As it is, call drops, poor data connections, and incessant network downtime are continuing, without tangible sanctions or pay back to telco customers for call drops or data loss. Consequently, Nigerians lose Billions of Naira daily due to call drops, poor call or poor data network quality, and outright network downtimes without consequences.  These are the critical issues that I expect the NLC and all telco customers to focus on and push back on because telecommunication companies are not taking responsibility for service failures. This should no longer be acceptable!

     Nigerians should not be made to continue losing money without remediation or explanation by the service providers or the regulators as to why things should continue this way. This should no longer be acceptable, given the justification given to stakeholders in support of the increase in telco tariffs. If nothing is done by the relevant agencies of Government, i.e. Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCP), Nigerians will continue losing money with the attendant socio-economic impacts because life is almost now entirely dependent on telecommunication whether it is security economy, business, health, social activities, etc.

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     It is a fact that for about twelve years, the telecommunication companies did not increase their call and data tariffs. It is a fact that Nigerians have been facing brutal socioeconomic conditions, which have escalated in the last ten years. But suffice it to say that the latest increase in the tariff is huge. So, on one side, the telecommunication companies may say that the increase in tariffs is justifiable. However, the increase in the cost of living and the cost of doing business in Nigeria have affected all businesses, not just telcos. Of course, the cost of Diesel and other forms of alternative power, the cost of providing security to telecommunications base stations and other sites all add to the operational costs of telcos. However, the question is: “Over the years, have Nigerians been really getting actual value for the money they pay for the communication services (calls and data)? We all know that the service qualities we get from all the service providers, vis-à-vis the costs of data, are not up to par.

     In my view, and most Nigerians will agree with me, the service providers are making a lot of money on data without an empirical commensurate value to customers in terms of the quality of service, and also in terms of the throughput that customers should get. For example, if a person or business pays for 1GB of data, will they get the actual value for the money they pay for 1GB of data? And/ or if there are incessant downtimes or poor quality of service, are there remediations to cover for the poor service delivery, apart from periodic apologies? Indeed, the service providers will not accept apologies for even 1 Kobo less of the money for whatever service they provide!

     Therefore, NCC, FCCPC, the organized labor, civic society, consumer forums, and citizens should be more proactive in engaging the telecommunication companies to ensure that they provide services in Nigeria in line with best practices. So, I think there is a need to step up surveillance of service quality and consistent engagement to achieve best practices and outcomes. There is also a need for improved regulation enforcement. This is especially so given the fact that all the telecommunication companies have been making the highest revenue and profits in Nigeria, above and beyond other countries that they operate in on the entire African continent in the past 25 years. This is also even while taking cognizance of the income downturn they experienced last year or 2. Indeed, the over 20 years that they have been posting Billions of US Dollars in profit over-compensate the short-term losses. I therefore urge all the relevant regulatory institutions to do the needful, particularly in the area of the quality of service, and remediation upon failure. By the way, I wonder if we have empirical ways to determine that everybody is getting value for their money for the telecommunication services.

     In fairness to the telcos, we know that they’ve been making losses recently due to increased cost of operations, as I mentioned earlier, but having been allowed to increase the tariffs, they have no excuse for providing sustained, inconsistent service quality. My advice to the NLC and other advocacy groups is that while the conversation is going on, the focus should be on the quality of service we are getting, on data, and on calls. Key areas to clarify should include: “What are the values we are getting for each service. I believe that remediations should be given by the service provider and/ or penalties should be imposed on the service provider for poor service, as some of the ways to ensure that customers get the best value for money. Customers have the right to challenge the telcos through the appropriate mechanisms/ channels if they don’t deliver value as promised. Customers also have the right to put the NCC and FCCPC on their toes to ensure that when we pay N100 Naira for a call or data we get value for our N20 Naira.

  • Poor service quality, others dim hope of virtual network operators

    Poor service quality, others dim hope of virtual network operators

    About four years after obtaining licences from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are yet to start offering services because of worsening network services and lack of a strong business case plan to convince the existing mobile network operators (MNOs), it was gathered at the weekend.

    An MVNO is a wireless communications service provider that doesn’t own its own network infrastructure, but instead leases capacity from a MNO to provide services under its own brand. Simply explained, MVNOs are expected to provide telecom services in unserved and underserved areas leveraging the infrastructure of existing mobile network operators such as MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, and 9mobile.

     “As at the moment, none of them has started operation because the licencees have not been able to convince the MNOs of their business case. Many of them just obtained the licences not knowing the implications. Another was the issue of service quality degradation which has become a major challenge. There has been poor services quality from the network owned by the same operators from whom capacity would be leased out. Recall too that the NCC had to step in by suspending further issuance of licences to MVNOs because it had issued more than necessary,” an industry source said.

    President, National Association of Telecom Subscribers (NATCOMS), Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, said it would have been catastrophic had the NCC allowed the programme to go ahead. “We have a major crisis with the network; it is not as resilient as it used to be. So, allowing a lease of capacity on the network would have been counter-productive,” he said.

    According to data, no fewer than 43 companies paid a total of N8.6 billion to the NCC to acquire MVNO licences in Nigeria.

    Under the MVNO framework released by the NCC, there are five categories of operators in this segment covering tier 1 to tier 5.

    According to the licensing framework, the highest in the categories, the tier 5 licence costs N500 million, while tier 4 goes for N200 million. Both the tier 3 and tier 4 licences cost N130 million and N60 million respectively, while the tier 1 licence is to be issued at N35 million.

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    NCC’s database shows that 10 companies have so far acquired the tier 5 license, thereby paying a cumulative of N5 billion to the regulator.

    For tier 4, six companies have acquired the licence, paying a total of N1.2 billion, at N200 million per licence. The tier 3 category has the largest number of players as 15 companies have acquired the licence. At N60 million per licence, the total money paid amounts to N1.950 billion.

    The NCC database shows that 11 companies have acquired the tier 2 licence, paying a total of N660 million, while only one company acquired the tier 1 licence.

    According to NCC, Tier 1 operators are the Services Virtual Operators. This tier leverages its ability to offer services to its customers without owning any switching or intelligent network infrastructure. They do not control any numbering resources. Responsibilities lie with the host licensee to provide wholesale capacity to the V.O for delivery of its products and services.

    Tier 2 is the Simple Facilities Virtual Operator, which assumes more control of the value chain, which allows it to significantly differentiate itself from its host. The VO does not have Core Switching and Interconnect capabilities but can set up its Intelligent Network (IN) to provide its own IN services to the customer.

    Tier 3 are Core Facilities Virtual Operators, which rely on its technical and commercial prowess to launch and operate a full core network with switching and interconnect capabilities.

    Tier 4 are Virtual Aggregators/Enablers, responsible for aggregating and/or enabling VO services within the market. It relies on a model in which it stands as a middleman between the MNO and multiple VOs.

    Tier 5 are Unified Virtual Operators. An operator within this tier can decide the level of service it desires to offer ranging from tier1 to tier4. This gives the VO freedom of choice to deploy its services the way it deems fit as long as it still has a valid license.

    Experts believe that the only way for the MVNOs to have a successful business in the country is to offer unique Value-Added Services (VAS) that are not being offered currently by the MNOs.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Wireless Technology Labs, Satya Mekala, said the licensed MVNOs will need to focus on special areas like education, agriculture, and rural development, among others.

     “Mobile operators are very rich, and they’re already making lots of money. It’s an unnecessary waste of time for MVNOs to compete with them. But some innovations are not happening with mobile operators, which offers opportunities for the MVNOs,” he had said.

    Mekala had also stressed that collaborative efforts among MVNOs enabled them to pool expertise, tackle challenges collectively, build profitable ventures, and deliver essential value-added services crucial for the populace and the nation.

    Also, the Vice President of TecnoTree, a telecom software vendor, Himmat Gill, had identified fierce competition in an oversaturated market, limited control over network quality and service prioritization, and navigating through diverse regulatory landscapes across regions as some of the challenges that may impede MVNO’s success in Nigeria.

    He, however, suggested market differentiation as a potential strategy for MVNOs to overcome these challenges.

     “Market differentiation can serve as a potent strategy for MVNOs to overcome the challenges of low revenue and competition from the MNOs. By distinguishing themselves from competitors, MVNOs can attract and retain customers,” he was quoted to have said.

    According to Fortune Business Insights, the global MVNO market size is projected to rise from $67.54 billion in 2020 to $123.40 billion in 2028, at a compound average growth rate (CAGR) of 7.9per cent during the forecast period, 2021-2028.

    As of June 2014, 943 MVNOs and 255 MNO sub-brands were active worldwide. This represents a total of almost 1,200 mobile service providers worldwide hosted by MNOs, up from 1,036 in 2012.

  • Why FG, NCC okayed increase in telecom tariffs

    Why FG, NCC okayed increase in telecom tariffs

    •Hike expected to protect millions of jobs

    •Tougher sanction awaits operators with low connectivity

    The recent approval of 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) as against the 200% demanded by all firms and operators was meant to save millions of jobs in the industry, The Nation gathered yesterday.

    The operators, citing astronomical cost of operation, especially the 200 to 300% increase in the cost of electricity and the jump in the price of diesel by about 67%, pressed for commensurate rise in tariffs.

    But the Federal Government and the NCC insisted that the new tariff regime must not hurt the masses.

    The tariff increase was made optional for all telecom firms.

    Under the new regime, the average cost of calls has gone up to N16.5 per minute from N11, while the cost of 1GB of data has risen to N431.25 from N287.5/GB, and cost of SMS from N4 to N6.

     The government and the NCC took cognizance of the fact that the last tariff increase was in 2013, according to a fact-sheet on the rationale for the hike in tariffs.

    The document, which was obtained yesterday, gave an insight into how the government and the NCC decided to save the sector.

    The fact-sheet reads in part:

    “The NCC has approved a tariff adjustment allowing telecommunication operators to increase their tariffs by up to 50% within the existing tariff bands.

    “This means operators may raise their prices by no more than 50% of current rates.

    “However, if the operator deems the current rate to be reflective of the cost of delivery of service, they have the option to maintain their current tariffs.

    “The approved adjustment is significantly lower than the over 100% (and in some cases, 200%) increase requested by operators. This decision reflects the NCC’s sensitivity to the economic realities faced by Nigerian households and businesses.

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    “The NCC considered ongoing industry reforms aimed at ensuring long-term sustainability, alongside the financial pressures on consumers, before arriving at its decision.

    “This approach prioritises both the protection of telecom consumers and the sustainability of the industry, which supports millions of jobs and thousands of indigenous vendors and suppliers.”

    The NCC said the tariff adjustments will be within the tariff bands outlined in the 2013 NCC Cost Study.

    It also said the tariff regime must comply with the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification (2024).

    The document added: “Telecom price mechanisms have remained unchanged in Nigeria since 2013, despite significant increases in the cost of operations.

    A breakdown of the cost of operation by the telecoms companies puts the average monthly power cost per site at N1.8 million and annual diesel consumption at 450 million litre. Tower sites are said to have an 84 per cent generator dependency.

    MTN Nigeria is said to have suffered a loss of $83 million (N137 billion) in 2023; while Airtel reportedly lost $89 million in 2024.

     “Under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is empowered to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunication operators.

    “Operational costs for telecommunication operators have gone up by over 300% in most cases. Given macroeconomic challenges and the cost of FX, they have found it tough to purchase new equipment and upgrade their services.

      “The approval followed extensive consultations with key stakeholders in the public and private sectors, ensuring that diverse perspectives were considered.

      “Adjustments will remain within the tariff bands outlined in the 2013 NCC Cost Study and must comply with the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification (2024).

    “The approval does not mean automatic increases. Operators must individually apply to the NCC for approval of any new rates, which will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis according to the Commission’s established tariff review process.”

    However, the NCC demanded enhanced quality of service and greater connectivity for Nigerians.

    It plans to sanction erring firms, especially operators who fail to meet their service obligations.

    “With the recently updated Quality of Service Regulations, the NCC can now hold to greater accounts the operators for improved network infrastructure, enhanced service quality, broader coverage, better customer care and greater connectivity for Nigerians,” it said.

    “In fact, the NCC can now sanction heavily operators who fail to meet their service obligations.

      “Operators are required to implement any tariff adjustments transparently and fairly. They must also actively educate and inform the public about the new rates to ensure consumers are well-prepared and understand the changes.

      “To prevent confusion, the NCC has mandated that operators simplify their tariff structures. Going forward, tariffs must be clear, straightforward and free of hidden charges or overly complex terms.

    “Operators must disclose all key details upfront, such as the cost, validity period and what the plan includes (e.g. data, calls, SMS). Consumers can also expect a mandatory disclosure table from their service providers, enabling them to make informed decisions without worrying about surprises.

    “This approval for tariff adjustment is not related to the ongoing conversations around tax reforms. Telecom tariffs have nothing to do with taxes.”

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has kicked against the tariffs and has asked Nigerians to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services in protest.

    President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, branded the tariff hike an unjust burden on citizens already grappling with economic challenges.

    Ajaero in a statement expressed concern over the timing of the hike, saying it coincided with rising inflation and declining purchasing power.

    He noted that telecom services have become a basic necessity as the average Nigerian worker spends approximately 10 per cent of their income on telecom charges.

  • NCC blames low revenue for inability to sell 5G spectrum licences

    NCC blames low revenue for inability to sell 5G spectrum licences

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has attributed its low revenue generation in 2024 to the failure of telecommunications companies to purchase 5G spectrum licences.

    The NCC’s Director of Financial Services, Yakubu Gontor, and its Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice Chairman (CEO/EVC), Aminu Maida, disclosed this on Thursday during the 2025 budget defense before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Communications.

    Speaking at the session, Gontor explained that the Commission could not auction the 5G spectrum due to market conditions.

    He said the two large operators that already acquired 5G spectrum were underutilising it, while the third-largest operator, whom the NCC had anticipated would purchase the spectrum, decided that it was not the right time for such an investment. Instead, he said it opted to focus on expanding  existing business.

    According to him, the Commission was operating on very fine margins, with only one slot available for sale and just one potential buyer. He further noted that 9mobile was undergoing a financial restructuring, making it an unsuitable candidate for the purchase at the time.

    Gontor also revealed that despite a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, the NCC may not generate significant revenue from spectrum sales in 2025. 

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    He emphasised that the priority for telecom operators this year is improving service quality, and while spectrum is an essential resource, it is currently not their top investment priority.

    Despite these challenges, he noted that the introduction of new technologies, including 6G, could generate over $1 billion in revenue for the federal government. 

    He explained that spectrum sales typically follow a 10-year cycle, similar to leasing land. When a lease is paid for ten years upfront, the revenue from that lease sustains operations for the next nine years.

    Presenting the NCC’s 2025 budget, Gontor stated that the Commission projects total revenue of N272.433 billion. 

    He said the major component of this revenue comes from an operating levy of N205.7 billion and spectrum fees of N49.784 billion, along with other income sources.

    Regarding expenditures, he explained that the total recurrent expenditure is projected at N95.668 billion, while capital expenditure is estimated at N10.735 billion. 

    Additionally, N30.13 billion has been earmarked for special projects. This brings the total projected expenditure, including recurrent, capital, and special projects, to N136.534 billion.

    Gontor added that the NCC expects to remit N120.836 billion to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), while remittances to the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) will be determined in 2025.

    Providing insight into the 2024 budget performance, CEO Aminu Maida revealed that the NCC generated N195.8 billion, of which N111 billion was remitted to the CRF. 

    He explained that N137.6 billion was earned from annual operating fees, while N26.4 billion came from spectrum fees, among other revenue sources.

    Maida, however, noted that the Commission had initially targeted N292.3 billion in revenue but fell short due to its inability to auction a 5G spectrum slot. He explained that this shortfall also affected the NCC’s remittance to the federal government, as a significant portion of spectrum fees is allocated to the CRF.

    Additionally, he pointed out that the 2024 budget assumed a 12.5% cost of collection from the federal government, but this was ultimately not approved. 

    As a result, the NCC’s actual operating income was only around 20-35% of the projected figure. Due to these challenges, the Commission revised its 2025 revenue forecasts to be more realistic.

    Speaking on behalf of the Joint Committee, Senator Aliyu Ikrah Bilbis stated that the NCC’s submission would enable lawmakers to ask critical questions and provide guidance to help improve the Commission’s operations in 2025.

  • Telecom tariff increase must result insignificant service improvements— FCCPC

    Telecom tariff increase must result insignificant service improvements— FCCPC

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has acknowledged the announcement of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), approving a 50% adjustment in telecommunications tariffs.

    According to the FCCPC Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, while acknowledging the economic pressures faced by telecom operators, including increasing operational costs, FCCPC assured that the consumers’ interests would remain paramount.

    According to a press statement signed by Ijagwu, FCCPC  commended the NCC for adopting a deliberate and measured approach by rationalising the tariff adjustment and linking it to commensurate improvements in service quality while implementing measures to mitigate the impact on consumers.

    “The NCC’s approval of a 50% adjustment, which is lower than the over 100% increase initially proposed by operators, demonstrates a thoughtful effort to balance industry sustainability with consumer protection,” the statement said.

    FCCPC said it was pleased with the NCC’s directive to operators to ensure that, henceforth, tariffs are clear, straightforward, and free of hidden charges or complexities, adding that operators are now required to disclose all key details upfront, including the cost, validity period, and the specific inclusions of a plan. “Consumers can also expect a mandatory disclosure table from their service providers, enabling them to make informed decisions without worrying about unexpected charges or surprises,” the statement further stated.

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    FCCPC noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recently signed between the FCCPC and NCC, highlights a shared commitment to ensuring robust consumer protection, fair competition, and the eradication of exploitative practices in the telecommunications sector. “It reinforces the principle that any regulatory or pricing adjustment must balance the sustainability of the industry with the interests of consumers.”

    FCCPC further stated that it is non-negotiable that telecom operators must prioritise visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service as part of any tariff adjustment stressing that the rationale for the increase must be reflected in better services for consumers who rely on telecommunications for both personal and business purposes.

    “Operators are expected to allocate increased revenues responsibly, with an emphasis on infrastructure development and service delivery improvements. Clear mechanisms must be established to monitor how these funds are utilised, ensuring that consumers directly benefit from the adjustments.”

  • No plans to increase telecom tarrifs by January – NCC 

    No plans to increase telecom tarrifs by January – NCC 

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has dismissed speculations of upward review of tariff by January next year. 

    The Commission said there was no iota of truth in the speculations, insisting that the procedures regarding hike in tariff are more rigorous, data-driven and evidence-based.

    According to a dependable source in the Commission, speculations on tariff hike have remained the handiwork of some telecom operators in the past two years, except that the operators are being economical with the truth in the industry. 

    The source who would not want to be  named dismissed reports of any increase in tariff, saying for now the Commission does not have a Management Board to approve such review. 

    The source said: “let us face the facts, one as at today, the NCC doesn’t have a Management Board in place to consider review of tariff. Mr President has not appointed Management Board for NCC. 

    “Two, it’s only after Board approval that the NCC will engage consultants to carry out a study on Price review. After the consultants are through, then stakeholders engagement will take place to consider economic implications and imperatives that call for review. Here there will be inputs from all sectors, researchers and academicians will be involved as well as legal practitioners. The telecom operators will also be involved. 

    “It’s after all this have been done and new price template provided that NCC will announce time frame for implementation to allow everyone, including the consumers to be prepared for the increase. A minimum of three months notice will be required. All this have not been done, so how can NCC announce that by January there will be increase in tariff?

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    “It is a figment of the imagination of someone people. The issues around tariff review is data-driven and evidence-based. 

    “The telecom operators that have been announcing and crying that it is necessary to increase tariff plans, they are not telling the truth. They have been saying that the costs of everything, including diesel have gone up. And they wanted to take advantage. 

    “The last time there was a review was 2013. And it was holistic. However, it is important to state that the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) based on the last review still have windows to increase tariffs on their own. 

    “The price templates they are operating on since 2013 have not been exhausted so why can’t they go ahead on their own and at individual levels to increase tariffs. 

    “The review maintained that the lowest an MNOs can charge subscribers for airtime per minute was 6 naira 40 kobo, while the highest is 50 naira per minute. But as at today, some are charging 18 naira, some 15 naira per minutes and below. 

    “None of them is charging the maximum price, so ask the MNOs why? They are sensitive to the issues of competition in the industry and no one will blink first among them for risk of losing subscribers. 

    “Another reason they are passing the bulk to NCC or government is because they know that any increase in tariffs or taxes (from government) will generate negative feedbacks everywhere. 

    “We are quite aware of their tactics. It’s just unfortunate that they are playing with the intelligence of the people.” 

  • NCC okays disconnection of Exchange Telecom by MTN over unpaid debt

    NCC okays disconnection of Exchange Telecom by MTN over unpaid debt

    Telecom sector regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has granted approval to MTN Nigeria to disconnect Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) over unpaid interconnect debts.

    According to information sourced from its website, Exchange Telecommunications Limited is a local and international interconnect Carrier. The largest in Nigeria, it has four Points-Of-Interconnect nationwide connected via a fibre ring to ensure redundancy, stability and efficiency.

    “We are licensed by the National Communications Commission, Nigeria and operate under two licenses: Interconnect Exchange International Data Access,” the company explained.

    The NCC, in a statement endorsed by its Director, Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, explained: “The NCC hereby notifies the public that approval has been granted for the disconnection of Exchange Telecommunications Limited (Exchange) from MTN Nigeria Communications Limited (MTN) as a result of non-settlement of interconnect charges.

    “Exchange was notified of the application and was given opportunity to comment and state its case. The Commission, having examined the application and circumstances surrounding the indebtedness, determined that Exchange does not have sufficient reason for non-payment of the interconnect charges.

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    “The public is, therefore, requested to take notice that: 1. The Commission has approved the Disconnection of Exchange to MTN in accordance with Section 100 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 and the Guidelines on Procedure for Granting Approval to Disconnect Telecommunications Operators, 2012; 2. At the expiration of 5 (Five) days from the date of this notice, MTN will discontinue passing voice and data traffic through Exchange and will, thereafter, utilise alternative channels in interconnecting with other Network Service Providers.

    “Please note that this disconnection will subsist until otherwise determined by the Commission.”

    Exchange Telecommunications Limited was created in 2001 and awarded the Interconnect Exchange license. Under new management in 2015, Exchange Telecoms resumed operations on the 14th of February 2015 and became the largest clearing house in Nigeria within 18 months. In 2016, Exchange Telecoms was awarded the IDA license and opened a presence in Telehouse, London. We have since become the preferred third party carrier for Nigeria destinations.