Telecom operators in Nigeria have yesterday renewed their push to jerk up charges against end user to reflect the cost of doing business amidst inflation crises in the country. The operators, under the auspice of Association of Licensed Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ALTON) and Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) through a joint statement are calling for a federal government to consider their demand for a cost-reflective tariff of services.
Accordingly, they urged the Federal Government that for the past 11 years, they have been operating on same tariff as against the inflation that has hit the global telecom infrastructure against wilful vandalism and theft.
The statement reads: “ALTON and ATCON respectfully reiterate that telecommunications infrastructure development requires substantial investments in network expansion, maintenance, and technology upgrades.
“Despite the adverse economic headwinds, the telecommunications industry remains the only industry yet to review its general service pricing framework upward in the last 11 years, primarily due to regulatory constraints.
“For a fully liberalised and deregulated sector, the current price control mechanism, which is not aligned with economic realities, threatens the industry’s sustainability and can erode investors’ confidence. ATCON and ALTON call upon the government to facilitate a constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders to address pricing challenges and establish a framework that balances consumers’ affordability with operators’ financial viability.” the statement added.
ALTON and ATCON disclosed that their members still lack access to essential telecommunication services due to a countless challenges, like multiple taxation and regulations and prohibitive Right of Way (RoW) charges, inadequate electric power supply and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure are other part of the challenge they said.
Consequently, they are soliciting on government to help the industry to pass a law that will guarantee the safety of their infrastructure.
The statement said, “Both Associations expressed deep concern over the escalating security threats facing telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria. Telecommunications infrastructure undoubtedly plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s national security and socioeconomic growth, especially as the country currently contends with multiple security challenges that require urgent and immediate actions in response to these threats.
“The associations urge the government to prioritize the security of telecommunications infrastructure and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to enhance protection measures and combat vandalism and sabotage effectively.”
Speaking on regulatory autonomy, the ALTON and ATCON the duo applauded the government for allowing the companies maintain the status co against undue influence on the activities of the Nigerian Communication Commission, NCC.
It said, “Regulatory neutrality and independence are crucial to ensuring a thriving telecommunications sector. Statutory provisions lend credence to this notion, as a lack of an impartial regulator will lead to a failure to maintain public confidence in the objectivity and independence of its decisions.
“We reaffirm our commitment to working collaboratively with the government to address the challenges facing the telecommunications industry in Nigeria. By fostering a conducive regulatory environment, prioritising
infrastructure development, enhancing security measures, and facilitating pricing adjustments, the government can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, driving economic growth and societal development.”
