KEY POINTS
- The telecommunications bodies NATCOMS intend to pursue legal action against NCC because of the 50 percent tariff hike.
- The group insists that NCC’s proposed 10 percent rate increase should replace the current adjustment.
- The high tariffs will create substantial financial burdens for businesses and consumers according to subscriber predictions.
Nigerian Telecom subscribers are preparing to file court cases against the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) because it approved a 50 percent increase in operator fees. NATCOMS will move forward with legal action unless the regulator reduces the price increase to 10 percent by the end of today.
Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo leads the National Association of Telecom Subscribers in presenting its formal request to the NCC about how the rate increase amounts to excessive financial strain on those who use telecommunications services.
According to NATCOMS the protest being organized by NLC on February 4 represents a separate issue but the organization warns that prolonged inaction from regulators will result in costly telecom services for millions of Nigerians.
Consumers demand relief as businesses brace for impact
Through Ogunbanjo’s leading position with NATCOMS’ legal advisor Bayo Omotubora they denounced the tariff increase as an act that sacrifices public wellbeing for corporate profits.
The group maintains operators possess various funding options besides zombie charges which could include loan collection and sharing telecommunications industry revenue and distributing past profits but denies excessive customer cost hikes.
The NCC received a letter emphasizing that the economic impact of this new pricing format will affect students and elderly consumers most heavily and selected small enterprises severely. NATCOMS recommends to the regulator that they reduce the proposed tariff increase from 50 percent to 10 percent.
NATCOMS possesses a tremendous level of frustration because the government should eliminate price surges which extend to fuel costs and electricity rates as well as custom duties. The group advises NCC to take action immediately because unsuccessful action at present will force the organization to face legal challenges regarding the fee increase tomorrow.
