NCC directs telcos to simplify tariff plans

NCC directs telcos to simplify tariff plans

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a directive to telecommunications operators to simplify their tariff plans, bundles, and promotional activities.

The NCC said this in a statement through Reuben Muoka, its spokesperson, on Monday.

Muoka said that the initiative is designed to ensure subscribers receive clear, straightforward, and accurate information regarding the costs associated with voice calls, Short Messaging Services (SMS), and data services.

He said that the directive, titled: “Guidance on the Simplification of Tariffs in the Nigerian Communications Sector,” was released on July 29, 2024, and requires Mobile Network Operators (MOs) to provide a detailed table outlining the features of their tariff plans and bundle offerings.

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The spokesperson stated that the table is expected to contain all necessary information for subscribers to make informed decisions, including details on add-ons, their prices, how consumers can opt-in or out, terms and conditions for renewal, and rollover policies.

He added that the guideline is the outcome of consultations with industry stakeholders, including MNOs and Consumer Focus Groups, and extensive data analysis on consumer preferences and expectations.

“The objectives of the simplification guidelines are to reduce the complexity of tariff plans and bundles, ensure transparency and fairness of promotional elements of tariff plans, protect consumers’ interests by providing clear and understandable tariff information so that they make informed decisions, and promote fair competition among licensees by standardising tariff structures.

“Service providers are also required to display all relevant information about their tariffs, such as the name of the plan, price, validity period, price-per-second for on or off-network and international calls, expected data speeds, and fair usage policies.

“Operators can maintain existing bonus-led tariff plans till 31st December 2024, within which period operators are expected to educate and migrate all subscribers to the simplified tariff plans,” the statement added.

NCC directs telcos to simplify tariff plans