NCC Caps Telecom Operators At Seven Tariff Plans to Simplify Consumer Choices

In a bid to enhance consumer experience and boost transparency in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced a new policy limiting telecom operators to a maximum of seven tariff plans each.

The NCC initiative aims to simplify the overwhelming array of tariff options and promotional offers, which often confuse consumers and hinder informed decision-making.

This move echoes a similar decision by India’s Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) in 2004, which capped telecom operators at 25 tariff plans to improve billing transparency. Explaining the rationale, TRAI noted that excessive tariff plans created confusion, making it difficult for consumers to choose suitable options.

The NCC revealed that a key motivation for its decision was the disparity between tariff rates for promotional and regular plans. In some cases, different tariffs apply to bonus accounts versus main accounts, without adequate communication to consumers.

“The current tariff structure, with multiple promotions and add-ons, creates uncertainty for consumers,” said Ikechukwu Adinde, Director of the Consumer Affairs Bureau at the NCC.

Adinde disclosed that some networks offer as many as 145 data plans and over 27 voice plans, which he described as unnecessarily complex. For example, one telecom company currently offers 14 voice plans and 145 data plans, while another has 27 voice plans and 41 data plans.

“This complexity hinders consumer satisfaction and transparency. Our goal is to streamline the process, making it easier for consumers to choose plans that meet their needs,” he stated during a recent two-day journalist training session at the Digital Bridge Institute in Lagos.

The NCC also addressed concerns about rapid data depletion, urging consumers to monitor their usage and adjust phone settings to limit unnecessary data consumption.

“Consumers must understand how their data is being used. Many programs run in the background even when a phone appears inactive,” Adinde explained. He advised users to review apps that consume the most data and consider adjustments to optimize usage.

In line with its efforts to promote transparency, the NCC has published approved tariff plans on its website. The Commission has also launched awareness campaigns to educate consumers on managing data usage effectively.

This policy change is expected to foster greater satisfaction in the telecom sector by ensuring simplicity and clarity in the services offered to Nigerians.
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