The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has set a new date for the rollout of revamped telecom tariff plans, now confirmed for December 13, 2024.
This follows an earlier postponement from the original launch date of October 27, which was delayed to allow for final consultations with stakeholders.
The upcoming tariff plan framework targets the simplification of telecom services for Nigerian consumers, addressing long-standing issues related to the complexity of available services.
Under the new framework, telecom operators will be restricted to offering no more than seven distinct tariff plans.
This is designed to reduce confusion, making it easier for consumers to navigate and choose the most suitable plans for their needs. The NCC new tariff initiative aims to create a more transparent, user-friendly environment, enhancing service delivery while promoting affordability across the sector.
In addition to the tariff reforms, the commission has responded to issues over rapid data depletion, a common grievance among telecom users.
The NCC has clarified that telecom companies are not solely to blame for excessive data usage. Rather, the type of smartphone being used largely influences how quickly data is consumed.
To address this, the commission has launched an awareness campaign aimed at educating consumers on how to select devices that better match their data needs. The goal is to enable users to make informed choices and optimise their data consumption.
The NCC’s decision to restrict the number of tariff plans also aims to improve consumer protection and ensure fair competition among telecom operators.
In reducing the number of available plans, the commission hopes to promote transparency and make it easier for consumers to understand the pricing structures of telecom services.
These changes are part of the NCC’s current focus on enhancing the telecommunications sector in Nigeria, with an emphasis on safeguarding consumer interests.
The public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives surrounding data usage and phone selection are expected to help in achieving these objectives.
The December 13 launch date will enable telecom users to receive a more straightforward and customer-centric service experience, with clearer choices and better control over their telecom spending.
