Tariff increase must reflect in service delivery, FCCPC tells Telcos

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has told telecommunication operators that the recent 50 per cent tariff hike must reflect in service delivery efficiency to consumers. The NCC made their position known in a statement on Wednesday signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu. According to the statement, while FCCPC acknowledged the […]

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has told telecommunication operators that the recent 50 per cent tariff hike must reflect in service delivery efficiency to consumers.

The NCC made their position known in a statement on Wednesday signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu.

According to the statement, while FCCPC acknowledged the economic pressures faced by telecom operators, including increasing operational costs, it unequivocally stated that consumer interests remain paramount.

“The FCCPC acknowledges the intense pressure faced by the NCC over the years to approve tariff increases due to the rising operational costs experienced by telecom operators, which became more pronounced in recent times.

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“We are also pleased with the NCC’s directive to operators to ensure that, henceforth, tariffs are clear, straightforward, and free of hidden charges or complexities.

“Operators are now required to disclose all key details upfront, including the cost, validity period, and the specific inclusions of a plan.

“Consumers can also expect a mandatory disclosure table from their service providers, enabling them to make informed decisions without worrying about unexpected charges or surprises,” the statement said.

The FCCPC added that “Issues such as network congestion, dropped calls, inconsistent internet speeds, unusual data depletion, and poor customer service have remained prevalent concerns.

It is, therefore, crucial that tariff adjustments directly translate into demonstrable and tangible service enhancements for consumers,” it said.