The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has released the “Guidance on the Simplification of Tariffs in the Nigerian Communications Sector (As Amended)“.
The NCC disclosed that the issuance of the new framework was sequel to a number of consultations, which the Commission had made with telecoms industry, and other stakeholders in the ecosystem in the West African country.
According to the Commission, the guideline is the “outcome of consultations with industry stakeholders, including MNOs and Consumer Focus Groups, and extensive data analysis on consumer preferences and expectations.”
The telecoms sector regulator, in a recent notice accompanying the release of the tariff simplification framework December 3, 2024, requested all licensees to channel any issues they might have on the actual implementation of the Guidance directly to the Commission for attention.
The NCC also restated it had issued the document, “Guidance on the Simplification of Tariffs in the Nigerian Communications Sector”, July 29 this year for further stakeholders’ inputs.
READ ALSO: NCC holds stakeholders’ forum on licensing framework for A2P services
It, therefore, directed to Mobile Network Operators to simplify their tariff plans, bundles, and promotional activities in the country’s telecoms space before implementing the tariff simplification guidance, effective from January 2025.
According to NCC, this step is to ensure transparency and fairness of promotional elements of tariff plans, protect consumers’ interests by providing clear and understandable tariff information.
The Commission stressed the Guidance was designed to empower telecoms consumers to make informed decisions, and promote fair competition among licensees by standardising tariff structures in the country.
Earlier, Mr. Reuben Muoka Director of Public Affairs at NCC had stated the latest regulatory move aims “to provide clear, easy-to-understand, and accurate information about the cost of voice, short messaging service, and data services to subscribers.”
The statement indicated the Guidance mandates the MNOs to publish a comprehensive table showing the features of their tariff plans and bundle offers, it stated.
Besides, the NCC said the table should contain all necessary information for subscribers to make informed decisions, including details on add-ons, their prices, how consumers can opt-in or out, terms and conditions for renewal, and rollover policies.
Credible News.ng
