The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced plans to unveil a simplified tariff structure for telecommunications operators on December 13, 2024.
This initiative aims to streamline tariff offerings, enhance transparency, and improve consumer experiences.
The announcement was made during an interactive session with the media in Abuja by the NCC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Maida Wada, who was represented by the Director of Public Affairs, Mr. Reuben Muoka. Dr. Wada noted that the new date replaces the earlier October 27 release date, which was postponed to accommodate additional stakeholder input.
“On December 13, 2024, a new tariff plan will be announced, replacing the previous date of October 27,” Dr. Wada stated. “After concluding extensive consultations with stakeholders, operators have been limited to a maximum of seven tariff plans. This measure is expected to provide relief to telecom consumers and address misconceptions around the use of data and airtime.”
The NCC has also directed telecom operators to update their contact details with the commission by January 9, 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to improve regulatory oversight and industry compliance.
Read also: Naira recovers against dollar at official window, gains N15
The NCC’s directive to cap operators’ tariff and promotional plans at seven is intended to address consumer complaints and foster fair competition.
“The commission has been conducting awareness campaigns through adverts and advocacy to educate consumers about these changes,” Dr. Wada explained.
On the issue of data depletion, Dr. Wada emphasized that the commission had conducted thorough investigations. “The NCC mandated operators to engage reputable audit firms, which revealed that data consumption varies across devices, particularly Android phones. Consumers need to understand that data usage depends on device settings and applications running in the background.”
In a related development, the NCC has ordered telecom operators to update their contact details by January 9, 2025. According to Mr. Muoka, this directive is in line with the Licensing Regulations 2019 and aims to strengthen regulatory processes in the telecommunications sector.
“This directive aligns with the NCC’s efforts to enhance industry oversight and ensure that the sector remains robust and well-regulated,” Muoka stated.
He warned operators that failure to comply could result in penalties, including fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses.