TELCO GIANTS  CLAMOUR FOR INCREASE IN TARIFF RATES FOR CALLS, SMS & INTERNET BUNDLES

By Anthony Ekpo BASSEY

 TELCO giants (MTN Nigeria, Airtel, 9Mobile and Glo), have persistently clamoured for upward review of their tariff rates, to reflect economic realities and there are strong indications that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), may grant them approval to increase rates for calls, SMS and internet bundles. 

According to an undisclosed report sighted by our medium, the approval may be granted before the end of the first quarter of 2025. The report reads: "We strongly hope that our approval to increase tariffs has been granted by the federal government. We hear they will allow us to do some upward review of tariffs by the first quarter of 2025. This sector is seriously bleeding; no new investments because of soaring operating costs. Some of us are already making losses. We just hope the sector will not be allowed to die." The report, stated. 

An industry source alleged that: "If telecom tariffs rise by up to 40%, a one minute call may cost N15.40 up from N11 and SMS charges may rise from N4 to N5.60. For data plans, the price of a 1GB bundle may increase from N1,000 to at least, N1,400."