……As Mixed Reactions Trail New Rates Across Networks
Telecoms subscribers across all networks have continued to express their reactions to the recent increase in rates.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, marking the first of such in nearly eleven years.
This decision was as a result of financial losses, aggravated by inflation, the devaluation of the naira and increasing operational challenges.
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The NCC in its statement stated that the tariff adjustment is essential to safeguard the sustainability of the industry, while considering the interest of subscribers.
The telecommunications sector, which contributes largely to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs thousands, has been grappling with rising costs amidst a volatile economic climate.
The tariff increase, which affects both voice and data services, was a direct response to calls from telecom operators, who had approached the NCC as early as 2024 requesting an increase.
In line with the approval from NCC, the second largest telecom operator, Airtel Nigeria has revised its data pricing rates, implementing a tariff adjustment of up to 50 per cent, according to details published on its website on Monday.
The revised daily and weekly data plans include N50 for 40MB valid for 1 day, N100 for 100MB valid for 1 day, N200 for 200MB valid for 3 days, N350 for 1GB valid for 1 day, N350 for 350MB valid for 7 days, N500 for 750MB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 200MB YouTube Music/Spotify valid for 7 days, N500 for 1GB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 50MB Socials valid for 7 days, N500 for 2GB valid for 2 days, and N1500 for 5GB valid for 7 days.
Also, MTN, Nigeria’s largest telecom provider, has adjusted its data and call tariffs in line with the NCC’s approval.
The implementation of these new call tariffs and data pricing brought about mixed reactions from various mobile network subscribers.
In a chat with Brand Visibility, Miss Breakthrough Adeleke, a social media manager and voice over artist said she will not blame them for the price hike because of what they have to pay to the government too in terms of taxes. She referred to the unfavourable and stifling economic conditions of Nigeria at the moment and how it has affected a lot of businesses.
Miss Ayankoya Bimbo also reiterated this as she said that she doesn’t blame the telecom operators, because inflation is on the rise.
According to Mrs Opeyemi Ibiteye, a customer service representative who was rather indifferent; said: “I have always not bothered myself about anything that affects everybody just like this, if Nigerians could survive the hike in fuel price which affected every area of our lives and we are still thriving, we will definitely survive this. God should just keep providing.”
Having a contrary opinion to the aforementioned, Miss Abisola Esther, an Executive Assistant said: “I think, this would really help to reduce how much people spend on data and mobile networks; just like how removal of fuel subsidy reduced cars on the road.
“I don’t know if this is good news for Meta but its surely good news for everyone’s brains and eyes”.
She added that increased cost for data will reduce the rate at which consumers surf the social media because spending too much time on screens unprofitably can affect productivity and efficiency.
Mr. Olusegun John, a Civil Servant who lamented about the poor network speed said: “We had 3G and the likes but network was faster; now we have 4G, 5G and yet we can’t get good browsing speed. Now it’s more expensive and we don’t even have good browsing speed. Data speed is part of our lives; if we would be paying exorbitant prices then we should have a quality network. But paying heavily and getting less is uncalled for.”
Miss Olojede Oluwapelumi; a Youth Corper highlighted a few of the negative impact of the tariff hike.
She said it will bring about a reduction in data usage; Individuals will start minimizing their data consumption rate. “Also, for those working remotely, it will definitely affect their productivity and the overall remote work experience.
“Furthermore, there are sectors (e-commerce) that depend heavily on mobile data and it could slow down their economic growth.
“Finally, businesses that rely on mobile data for their operations might experience increased costs too, which can affect their profitability,” she said.
BV.
