The Association of Telephones, Cable TV and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS), one of the telecoms subscribers groups in the country, has expressed its opposition to the plans by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in the country to hike tariffs on calls, data and other services.
It would be recalled that the MNOs had, through the Association of Licensed Companies of Nigeria (ALTON), warned about likely telecoms service disruptions in the country due to what they termed rising operational costs that made the current tariff rates undesirable for sustaining their operations in the face macroeconomic headwinds in the country.
The group during a press conference in Lagos at the weekend, opposed the proposed tariff hike, pointing out that acceding to such a demand by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) will inevitably increase the burden of subscribers and impact negatively on the economy
The ATCIS president, Sina Bilesanmi, described the timing of the proposed tariff increase as insensitive given the prevailing economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
He explained: “We are concerned that this strident call for a tariff hike is most unwelcome. It will impoverish telecom subscribers further, considering the realities on ground. We see it as most insensitive as it will impoverish our members the more in view of the realities on ground.
“The telcos have blamed the rising cost of diesel for powering their base transceiver stations (BTS) as one of the major reasons for the current clamour for tariff hike. We say no to any hike at this time with declining service quality.
“We say no to any hike without the consultation of consumer advocacy bodies such as ours. We reject any tariff hike without improved service quality. We align with the position of the NCC on this. The telcos shouldn’t resort to subtle threats and blackmail to get the approval of the NCC to hike tariffs”, he added.
Bilesanmi highlighted the significant contribution of the telecom sector to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP) but stressed that this did not justify burdening consumers with increased costs.
He further clarified: “While we understand the industry faces challenges, we believe any tariff increase will place an undue burden on consumers, many of whom are already struggling with the current economic situation.
“We urge the telecom companies to show restraint in implementing these increases and to explore ways to minimize the impact on vulnerable consumers, most of whom are our members, the many voiceless Nigerians.”
“We call for full transparency on the justification for this increase and the expected benefits to consumers. We demand that telecom companies improve service quality in line with the increased tariffs which the experiences of our members on the network have shown”, the ATCIS President added.
The group vowed to continue advocating for fair pricing, quality service, and the protection of consumer interests in Nigeria’s telecom sector while also assuring its commitment to working with the telecom industry and the regulator to find solutions that protect consumers while ensuring the sustainability of the sector.
