Telecommunications operators in Nigeria are advocating for price adjustments, asserting that their services are overdue for increments after 11 years without rate hikes.
In a joint statement by the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), the operators highlighted the sector’s unique status as the only industry that has not reviewed its prices despite economic realities like rising inflation that warrants an increment.
They emphasized the need for regulatory flexibility to set prices appropriately, citing substantial investments required for infrastructure development, network expansion, and technology upgrades.
Additionally, they called upon the government to address industry challenges such as taxation, regulations, right of way (RoW), charges, inadequate power supply, and infrastructure vandalism.
Recognizing the pivotal role of telecommunications infrastructure in national security and socioeconomic growth, they urged the government to designate it as critical national infrastructure and enhance security measures to protect against sabotage and vandalism.