By Martin Ekpeke
The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has called for the immediate implementation of the planned telecommunications tariff hike in the first quarter of this year. This, according to ATCON President Tony Emoekpere, will enable Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to effectively plan and invest in critical infrastructure upgrades.
The Nigerian government has recently signaled an impending increase in telecommunications service costs, acknowledging the need to ensure the sector’s sustainability. While the government has firmly rejected a 100% tariff hike demanded by some telecom companies, ATCON believes a timely increase is crucial for the sector’s long-term growth.
“The tariff hike should be implemented in the first quarter of the year so that the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) can start planning,” Emoekpere was quoted to have said by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He emphasized that while a 100% increase might seem drastic, it may have been necessary if the government had delayed this decision further.
Meanwhile, Emoekpere has described the government’s intention to invest in telecommunications infrastructure, a crucial step towards ensuring the sector’s resilience. He noted that this is a common practice in other countries and is essential for the long-term health of the industry.
“Telecommunications is a critical national infrastructure. It is important that the government have a say in telecommunications infrastructure,” Emoekpere said. He highlighted that government involvement will not only boost sector operations but also enhance the protection of critical infrastructure.
Emoekpere pointed out that the rampant vandalism of telecoms infrastructure in the country has been a significant challenge due to inadequate protection. He expressed confidence that increased government involvement will significantly reduce such incidents.
ATCON’s call for a swift implementation of the tariff hike underscores the urgent need to address the challenges facing the Nigerian telecommunications sector. By ensuring timely tariff adjustments and fostering government collaboration, the industry can strive for sustainable growth and better serve the evolving needs of its customers.