Telecom operators have stepped up efforts to increase prices to end users to reflect the cost of doing business.
Operators operating under the auspices of the Association of Licensed Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have issued a joint statement asking the Nigerian government to give them the nod to increase their tarrifs.
They also asked the federal government to protect telecommunications infrastructure from intentional damage.
The announcement includes the following statements: “ALTON and ATCON reiterate that the development of telecommunications infrastructure requires significant investments in network expansion, maintenance and technology upgrades.
“Despite the economic downturn, the telecommunications industry remains the only industry that has not overhauled its overall pricing model for services in the last eleven years, mainly due to regulatory hurdles.
“From a purely liberal and regulatory perspective, the current price control system, which does not reflect economic reality, hinders the development of the sector and can damage investor confidence. ATCON and ALTON call on the government to engage in constructive dialogue with industry partners to address cost issues and create a framework that aligns consumer affordability with investor economics.”
Regarding the infrastructure shortage, ALTON and ATCON said their members were still able to access telecommunication services due to many problems such as high taxes and regulations, priority charging, inadequate electricity supply and communication outages. infrastructure.
The groups sought to protect the network’s assets and infrastructure and asked the government to enact laws designating telecommunications infrastructure as National Infrastructure (CNI).
They said: “Both organizations expressed deep concern about the ongoing insecurity of the telecommunications infrastructure in Nigeria. There is no doubt that telecommunications infrastructure plays an important role in the security of the Nigerian nation and the promotion of the welfare of its people; especially since the country is currently experiencing many security problems that require urgent measures to solve this problem.
“Attacks on cell towers, fibre optic cables and other critical assets disrupt telecommunications services and cause significant financial losses for operators.
“Organizations call on the government to prioritize the security of telecommunications infrastructure and work with law enforcement to increase protection measures and combat damage and destruction.”
On independence, ALTON and ATCON seek to maintain a culture of independence in the regulatory framework to prevent undue influence and the intrusion of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which would instil confidence in the telecommunications sector and encourage investment.
The two asociations said: “Impartiality and independent management are essential for the development of the communications sector. Legal provisions lend credence to this idea, as the absence of an impartial leader would lead to a loss of public confidence in the independence and autonomy of decisions taken.
“We reiterate our commitment to work with government to address the challenges facing the telecommunications sector in Nigeria. By improving the rule of law, prioritizing infrastructure development, increasing security measures and simplifying costs, the government can unlock Nigeria’s full telecommunications potential, which can lead to economic growth and social development. “
