Telecom Tariff Increase Must Result In Service Improvement – FCCPC

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has task telecom operators to prioritise visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service as part of any tariff adjustment.

The FCCPC says the rationale for the increase must be reflected in better services for consumers who rely on telecommunications for both personal and business purposes.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the Commission, the FCCPC acknowledges the economic pressures faced by telecom operators, including increasing operational costs, but it unequivocally state that consumer interests remain paramount.

The statement by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC commends the NCC for adopting a deliberate and measured approach by rationalising the tariff adjustment and linking it to commensurate improvements in service quality while implementing measures to mitigate the impact on consumers.

The FCCPC notes that it is 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 adds.

The FCCPC assures the public that, together with the NCC, it will continue to pursue measures that uphold these objectives.

“We are committed to closely monitoring the impact of these tariff adjustments to ensure compliance with established regulatory standards”.

Operators are reminded that the FCCPC is actively working with NCC to address concerns that may be raised by consumers during this transition period and beyond.

The Commission encourages consumers to report any unfair practices or concerns through its official channels to ensure effective resolution.

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