The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), is set to release a new tariff plan for operators in the telecommunications industry on 13 December 2024. The move is part of the commission’s ongoing efforts to simplify tariff plans.
The commission in another development, has directed all licensed telecommunications operators to update their contact details in or before 9 January 2025.
Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Dr. Maida Wada, disclosed this, yesterday, during an interactive session with the media in Abuja.
Dr. Wada, represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka, said that the new tariff plan’s unveiling date remains unchanged, unlike the previously announced date of 27 October.
The commission had earlier announced 27 October, as the release date for the new tariff plan but was not ready due to the non-conclusion of the process by stakeholders.
NCC has also directed operators to limit their tariff and promotional plans to only seven.
The directive aims to reduce the complexity of tariff plans and bundles, ensure transparency and fairness of promotional elements of tariff plans, protect consumers’ interests, and promote fair competition among licensees.
Wada said: “On 13 December 2024, a new tariff plan will be announced against the old date of 27 October as announced. We have gotten stakeholders to make inputs.
“At the end of completing the exercise, a limit has been giving to the operators. With this, no operator is expected to have more than seven tariff plans. We belief that this measure will bring some kind of relief to telecom consumers and will eliminate misconception on the use of data and airtime.
“The commission has been carrying out awareness campaign on this through adverts and advocacy to a large extent”.
On data depletion complaints by consumers, the NCC boss said, the commission has carried out a deep dive on this and mandated operators to engage a reputable audit firm and after the exercise, it found out that there is a wrong perception about data depletion.
“What consumers must know is that usage of data is not same on every Android phone.
“As a consumer-centric regulator, the commission has embarked on public awareness on this for consumers to have better understanding of their data depletion”.
Directs telcos to update contact details before 9 January
The NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Mouka, in the directive said it was in compliance with the Licensing Regulations 2019.
“This directive aligns with the NCC’s efforts to enhance regulatory processes, improve industry oversight, and strengthen Nigeria’s telecommunications sector”.
Muoka warned the operators that non-compliance could attract penalties such as fines, license suspension, or revocation.
