Nigeria’s mobile network operators (MNOs) have begun implementing a tariff increase approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
MTN was the first to adjust its call rates, and now Airtel has followed suit with its tariff revision.
Checks on Airtel’s website show that Airtel has increased its call rates from 18 kobo per second to 25 kobo per second. Which is about N10.80.
Similarly, MTN Nigeria increased the price of voice calls on its pulse bundle from N7.80 per minute to N13.80 per minute, marking a sharp 76.92% hike.
A random selection of calls on the network yesterday revealed a significant increase in call rates.
A 62-second call from Airtel to Airtel costs N15.50, averaging about N15 per minute, reflecting a 36% increase.
Additionally, a 56-second call from Glo to Airtel was charged N14.56, while another call lasting 1 minute and 1 second was billed at N15.86.
Two industry sources within the telco expressed contrary opinions. While one admitted that indeed, the operators had started implementing a new tariff regime, the other said his organisation is yet to implement any tariff hike.
From the existing pricing template gathered from making calls at an average of N15 per minute, it is obvious that per second call on the network now attracts 25 kobo.
Efforts to get the voice call tariff of 9mobile was fruitless as successful calls made on the network did not show how much cash was spent but rather, the number of seconds the call lasted on the network.
A visit to the website of Airtel Nigeria and Globacom however did not show any adjustment yet on their data bundles. One of them even denied ever increasing call tariff, saying the increment noticed in call cost might be a result of interconnect charges for off net calls, that is calls that originated from other networks to the operator.
But all the telco, except 9mobile, and Glo have also increased their SMS rate from N4 to N6, fairly representing the 50 per cent adjustment. MTN had stated: “Y’ello! Keep enjoying calls at 23k/s to all networks and N6/SMS on Pulse.”
NLC’s Reaction to Tarrif Hike
The NLC last week asked telecom companies to reverse the implementation of tariff hike until a committee set up by the Federal Government completed its work.
The NLC took the decision at the end of its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State.
A communique signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja respectively, directed all workers and citizens to suspend the purchase of Data from these companies which has also become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens.
