MTN, Airtel, Glo, Other Telcos Consider Tariff Increase

Major telecom operators in Nigeria, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, are considering adjusting their tariffs due to economic realities.

The operators, represented by ALTON and ATCON, urge the government to address industry challenges and facilitate constructive dialogue on pricing.

Regulatory neutrality and independence are emphasized for a thriving telecommunications sector.

In a joint statement released by the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), telecom giants MTN, Airtel, and Globacom advocated for cost-reflective tariffs in light of prevailing economic difficulties.

VerseNews reports that ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo and ATCON President Tony Emoekpere co-signed the statement, stressing the urgency for government intervention to address industry hurdles.

According to the statement, “Telecommunications infrastructure development necessitates substantial investments in network expansion, maintenance, and technology upgrades.”

Despite enduring economic adversities, the telecommunications sector has refrained from revising its service pricing framework upwards for over a decade due to regulatory constraints.

The telcos emphasized the need for regulatory reforms to ensure pricing mechanisms align with economic realities, safeguard industry sustainability, and bolster investor confidence.

They urged the government to engage in constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders to establish a pricing framework that balances consumer affordability with operator financial viability.

Furthermore, the telcos underscored the importance of regulatory neutrality and independence in maintaining public confidence.

They called for impartial regulation to uphold the objectivity and independence of regulatory decisions, citing statutory provisions that support this notion.