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Telecommunications companies in Nigeria are pressing for an upward adjustment of the Price Floor, citing regulatory constraints and stagnant pricing for over a decade despite inflationary pressures.
RELATED: ALTON, ATCON to Nigerian government: Tackle telecom industry issues now
The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have jointly appealed to the government for a “cost-reflective tariff of services.”
While the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) seems inclined to consider the operators’ demand, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy has expressed concerns about potential consumer implications and access expansion setbacks.
Major mobile network operators (MNOs) like MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile warn that maintaining current pricing levels could impede investment in the sector. They advocate for a dialogue with industry stakeholders to address pricing challenges while ensuring a balance between consumer affordability and operators’ financial viability.
As of now, neither the ministry nor the telecom regulator in Abuja has responded to these demands. Operators plan to engage with the NCC directly and are also seeking audience with the presidency. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of maintaining the independence of the telecoms regulator to prevent undue influence from external actors.
ALTON and ATCON stress the necessity of regulatory neutrality and independence to uphold public confidence and encourage investment in the telecommunications sector. They assert that impartial regulation is vital for the industry’s prosperity and sustainable growth.
