The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has rolled out a new directive designed to simplify and enhance transparency in the tariff plans, bundles, and promotions offered by telecommunications operators in the country. The directive, titled “Guidance on the Simplification of Tariffs in the Nigerian Communications Sector,” was released on July 29, 2024, with the aim of providing subscribers with clear and accurate information about the costs associated with voice, SMS, and data services.
Under this new directive, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are required to publish a detailed breakdown of their tariff plans and bundles. This information must include key details such as pricing for add-ons, opt-in and opt-out procedures, renewal terms, and rollover policies. The guidelines were developed following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders, including telecom operators, Consumer Focus Groups, and an in-depth analysis of consumer needs and preferences.
The primary goals of these new guidelines are to simplify complex tariff plans, ensure transparency and fairness in promotions, protect consumer interests by making tariff information easily understandable, and foster healthy competition among telecom providers by standardizing tariff structures.
Telecom operators are now required to display all relevant details about their plans, including plan names, prices, validity periods, call rates for on-network, off-network, and international calls, as well as data speeds and fair usage policies. The directive allows operators to continue offering existing bonus-based plans until December 31, 2024, after which they must transition customers to the simplified tariff structures.
The guidelines further require MNOs to present tariff information in clear and user-friendly formats, with full disclosure accessible via USSD codes. Operators must also offer stand-alone data bundles at fair prices, avoid bundling unwanted products, provide clear bonus values, and eliminate access fees and complex fee structures.
The NCC emphasized that while adhering to these guidelines, operators must also maintain the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set by the Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations to ensure consumers receive high-quality service.
The directive, signed by the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka, on August 5, 2024, is expected to bolster consumer protection and enhance transparency within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
