In response to prevailing economic challenges, major telecom operators in Nigeria, including MTN, Airtel, and Globacom, have advocated for the implementation of cost-reflective tariffs. This call was made in a joint statement issued by the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) on Thursday. The statement, co-signed by ALTON’s Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, and ATCON’s President, Tony Emoekpere, highlighted the urgent need for government intervention to address the sector’s pressing issues.
The telecom companies underscored the significant investments required for telecommunications infrastructure development, including network expansion, maintenance, and technology upgrades. Despite these challenges, the industry has refrained from adjusting its service pricing framework for over a decade, primarily due to regulatory constraints.
According to the statement, the current price control mechanism does not align with economic realities and poses a threat to the industry’s sustainability and investor confidence. ALTON and ATCON urged the government to engage in constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders to address pricing challenges and establish a framework that balances consumer affordability with operators’ financial viability.
In addition to advocating for cost-reflective tariffs, the telecom operators emphasized the importance of regulatory neutrality and independence, particularly with regards to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). They highlighted the crucial role of an impartial regulator in maintaining public confidence and ensuring a thriving telecommunications sector.
The statement called attention to statutory provisions that support the notion of regulatory independence, emphasizing that a lack thereof could undermine trust in the regulator’s decisions. ALTON and ATCON stressed the need for regulatory policies that support innovation, competition, and investment in the telecommunications industry, ultimately benefiting consumers and the economy at large.
