The telecom operators’ plans to implement a state rate tariffs for calls, data, and other telecom services have been met with opposition from subscribers.
In response to a recent action by telecoms, the subscribers’ organisation claimed that it would not resolve the issue that they (telcos) were attempting to mitigate against.
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As a precaution against various taxes and business environments across different states, telcos recently announced that Nigerians may soon be paying different pricing in different jurisdictions for calls, data, and SMS.
A nationwide rate was no longer suitable, according to Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licenced Telecoms Operators of Nigeria, because the cost of providing telecom services varied throughout the states of the federation.
He noted that the telcos had presented their plan to the Nigerian Communications Commission and would implement it once given approval.
When implemented the rates for calls would differ across the states.
In response, the President of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, revealed that subscribers would kick against any attempt by telcos to introduce state tariffs.
He said, “We are not going to agree to that. We should be fighting the cankerworm (multiple taxation together), not this. Why do they want to add to our (subscribers) burden.”
In addition, subscribers, according to Ogunbanjo, are fighting back against the government’s multiple taxes and are currently in court to demand that the Federal Government repeal a clause in the Finance Act that allows it to tax telecom services with excise taxes.
He claimed that notwithstanding the existing waiver granted to telecoms services by this government, any president might still enact the law’s provision.
Telcos have recently been clamouring for a tariff rise to offset the effects of an economic slump, various taxes, expensive operational costs, and more. They asked for a 40% tariff increase in 2022.
