The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has issued a statement urging telecom operators to focus on enhancing their services following the recent approval of a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission. The FCCPC acknowledged the financial challenges faced by telecom companies due to rising operational expenses but stressed the importance of keeping consumer interests at the forefront of any tariff modifications.
The commission applauded the NCC for carefully considering and approving the tariff adjustment, which was notably lower than the initial proposal by telecom operators for over a 100% increase. They also praised the NCC for tying the tariff hike to specific improvements in service quality and implementing measures to lessen the financial impact on consumers.
In response to the directive from the NCC, which requires greater transparency from telecom operators regarding tariff details, the FCCPC welcomed the move. Operators are now mandated to disclose all essential information about their plans upfront, including costs, validity periods, and benefits, to help consumers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses.
Despite these positive steps, the FCCPC acknowledged consumer dissatisfaction with issues like network congestion, dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and poor customer service. They emphasized the need for tangible service enhancements resulting from any tariff adjustments and referred to their Memorandum of Understanding with the NCC, emphasizing consumer protection, fair competition, and the elimination of exploitative practices in the telecom industry.
The commission stressed that any revenue generated from the tariff increase should be allocated towards infrastructure development and improving service delivery. They called for clear monitoring mechanisms to ensure the funds are utilized appropriately for the benefit of consumers. Additionally, telecom operators were urged to communicate openly with consumers about the reasons behind tariff adjustments and how they align with efforts to enhance service quality and infrastructure.