Latest news with #NigerianCommunicationsCommission
Business Insider
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Internet usage in Nigeria dips as tariff cost spikes
Nigeria's telecommunications sector has faced its fair share of complications over the last year. From loss projections to tariff hikes, the country's economic challenges appear to be creating a ripple effect. The Nigerian telecommunications sector has endured economic challenges, prompting tariff increases and impacting data usage. Internet utilization fell from January to April 2025, attributed to a 50% hike in data tariffs instituted in February. Telecommunication companies like MTN Nigeria reported solid revenue growth despite reduced data consumption among citizens. According to recent data given by the Nigerian Communications Commission, total internet usage decreased from 1,000,930.60 terabytes in January to 983,283.43 terabytes in April, marking a 1.76 percent fall over the three months. The dip in data usage is a result of the NCC's decision to increase data tariffs by 50%. Some of the rough estimates show that under the revised pricing, the 1.8GB monthly plan now costs ₦1,500, replacing the previous 1.5GB plan that was priced at ₦1,000. The 20GB plan has increased to ₦7,500 from ₦5,500, while the 15GB plan now costs ₦6,500, up from ₦4,500. Larger data bundles have seen even steeper increases. The 90-day 1.5TB plan has jumped from ₦150,000 to ₦240,000, while the 600GB 90-day plan has risen from ₦75,000 to ₦120,000. These price jumps, since it was implemented back in February, have resulted in less data usage as Nigerians struggle with an economy that has triggered inflationary pressures across multiple sectors. This dip in usage is also notwithstanding the fact that in April, the top telecommunications company in the country, MTN Nigeria, recorded revenue of N1 trillion in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 40.5% year-on-year increase from the N752.9 billion posted in Q1 2024. Data analyzed, as seen in the Punch, month-over-month, reveals a dramatic decline in utilization just after the fee was implemented. The amount of internet usage in February was 893,054.80 terabytes, which was 10.8% less than in January. March's figures rebounded to 995,876.10 terabytes, while in April, data usage dropped by 12,592.67 terabytes. Major telecom operators in Nigeria, including MTN, Airtel, and 9Mobile, have long lobbied for price modifications to reflect economic reality. Despite rising operating expenses caused by inflation, telecom companies have been unable to raise prices for more than a decade. This, however, has not sat well with the country's general populace as they continue to suffer one of the country's worst economic hits, using the same inflationary concerns the telecom industry alluded to. By the end of 2024, when the conversations on tariff hikes were heating up, the country's inflation rate had climbed to 32.47%, from the 29.90% levels it began the year with. At the time, reports indicated that telecommunications operators could face a $11.3 billion revenue loss between 2022 and 2026, resulting from a delay in the tariff hikes, which had persisted for 11 years. In 2022, telecom firms had demanded a 40% tariff increase.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Vitel Wireless Completes Interconnectivity with All Major Mobile Network Operators in Nigeria
LAGOS, Nigeria, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vitel Wireless Limited (Vitel Wireless), Nigeria's first Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) to receive a dedicated number series (0712) from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has broken new ground once again by announcing the successful completion of interconnectivity with all major Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Nigeria. This breakthrough enables Vitel Wireless subscribers to make and receive calls with users on MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom (Glo), and 9mobile Nigeria. It also marks the first time an MVNO in the country has successfully interconnected with all the major MNOs, setting a new precedent for Nigeria's telecom sector. Following the NCC's licensing of 46 MVNOs, Vitel Wireless continues to lead the way in establishing a dynamic MVNO sector in Nigeria—Africa's largest market and most populous nation. The company has already achieved several historic firsts: the first MVNO issued a numbering plan and national and international routing codes, the first to launch a location awareness network in Africa, and the first to unveil a strategic nationwide rollout plan. "We are gathering momentum for our big launch," said Kenneth Emeka Nwabueze, MFR, Chairman and CEO of Vitel Wireless. "We are proud to be showing what's possible for MVNOs, while also creating a path for others to follow. By leveraging our years of experience in Nigeria's telecom industry, we are opening up new possibilities where there used to be none." Interconnectivity was achieved through a combination of direct fiber connections with some MNOs and indirect routing via third-party providers. This milestone was the result of a collaborative effort involving engineers from Vitel Wireless, Wireless Technology Labs (WTL), and Interconnect Clearinghouse Nigeria (ICN), working closely with engineers from MTN, Airtel, Glo, and 9mobile. "We wish to thank the regulatory agency, the Nigerian Communications Commission, for their timely interventions and guidance, which were instrumental in achieving this interconnectivity and bringing the formal launch of the Vitel Wireless nationwide network one step closer to reality," said Nwabueze. The company entered a nationwide pilot phase in May 2025, with plans for a full rollout in July 2025, aiming to deliver next-generation mobile services to millions across Nigeria. About Vitel Wireless Vitel Wireless Limited is a pioneering mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) in Nigeria, licensed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to provide nationwide mobile services under the "Vitel Wireless" brand. Utilizing the spectrum and radio access network (cellular towers) of other full mobile network operators (MNOs), Vitel delivers comprehensive network services—voice, SMS, and data—across all 36 states in Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Vitel Wireless is committed to delivering accessible telecom services to the Nigerian market and combines innovation with advanced technology, including the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and data-driven solutions, to enhance mobile experiences. The company's offerings range from personal safety tools to scalable solutions for government welfare programs, continually pushing the boundaries of what mobile technology can achieve for Nigerians. For more information, please visit Media Contact: Vitel Wireless 395743@ +234 707 701 1111 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Vitel Wireless
Business Insider
03-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Starlink increases subscription rates in Nigeria amid market realignment
Starlink, a satellite internet service owned by the American Billionaire Elon Musk, has announced a price increase of its monthly subscription in Nigeria. Starlink has announced a price increase for its satellite internet service in Nigeria The new price increase for monthly subscription will be effective from May 30, 2025 Existing users will see the adjustment starting from June 1, following the end of the current billing cycle in May The announcement follows several failed attempts by Starlink to implement a price increase in Nigeria between October 1, 2024, and December 28, 2024, respectively. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had earlier criticized the proposed hikes, deeming them a unilateral decision that contravenes the country's telecommunications pricing regulations. However, in an email to Nigerian subscribers, the internet service provider, announced a new price increase for its monthly subscription, effective May 30, 2025. 'The monthly service price of Residential is increasing to N57,000,' the email reads. The email stated that the price change would take immediate effect for new subscribers, while existing users would see the adjustment starting from June 1, following the end of the current billing cycle in May. Additionally, the email noted that refunds are possible under specific conditions, with a full refund for hardware and service if returned within 30 days of purchase or a 50% refund on hardware if purchased within the past year. Starlink and Nigeria Starlink, the satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, officially launched in Nigeria in January 2023, marking a significant development in country's adoption of an American satellite communications services However, Nigeria's market, marked by interest in premium internet services and sensitivity to pricing, has prompted Starlink to continually adjust its pricing model, driven in part by the volatile naira and other factors. Starlink's Nigeria pricing has seen significant adjustments. Key plans and prices include: Plans and Prices Standard Residential: ₦75,000/month (previously ₦38,000/month) Mobile Regional (Roam Unlimited): ₦167,000/month (up from ₦49,000/month) Mobile Global Roaming: ₦717,000/month
Zawya
02-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigerians react to new N6 SMS transaction fee amid growing discontent over banking charges
NIGERIAN bank customers have expressed widespread dissatisfaction following the introduction of a new N6 fee for each SMS transaction alert, a policy jointly implemented by the banking sector regulator and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The revised fee, up from the previous N4 per SMS, took effect today and is expected to be automatically deducted from customers' bank accounts. According to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the new structure was designed to replace the previous per-session USSD billing model and standardize charges across banks. The fee will be remitted to mobile network operators, with the apex bank stating that this change offers a more transparent and consumer-friendly billing framework. For numerous customers, especially low-income earners who rely heavily on USSD services for day-to-day transactions, the added cost is yet another financial burden. Critics argued that the move is not only ill-timed but could further alienate the unbanked population, undermining CBN's long-standing financial inclusion goals. 'This policy is out of touch with the reality of ordinary Nigerians,' said Mr. Yusuf Adebayo, a civil servant. 'Instead of encouraging people to embrace banking, it discourages them. A low-income earner making frequent transactions will feel the pinch of this fee over time.' Banks like GTBank and Fidelity Bank have encouraged customers to adopt their mobile banking apps, which do not incur SMS or USSD charges. Yet, some customers remained skeptical. One customer, who spoke anonymously, alleged that banks have been charging multiple telco fees for single transactions long before this policy was formalised. 'There are days when I get charged more than once for a single transaction,' the customer said. 'It feels like we're being bled dry from every angle.' On social media, Nigerians have taken to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to express their frustrations and divergent opinions. One user, Arch Angel Jesse, downplayed the fee hike, suggesting the public outcry was misplaced. 'I don't think this is a problem the way the news is making it seem. Only N2 extra and it's breaking news!' Jesse posted. 'All the money lost in NNPC is still not making the news but N2 extra is breaking!!! Very few people understand where I am coming from, and that is still the problem of this country Nigeria.' However, another user, @asia_valking, offered a different perspective. 'N2 is not a problem? It will be when you receive alerts from 20 different transactions, or you multiply it by 50 million accounts. Their next target will be N10.' Joshua Eze, another customer, drew a comparison with telecom practices in the United Kingdom. 'In the UK, once you pay for your internet data, calls and SMS are essentially free. Think of providers with their flexible plans and no extra charges for calls or texts. Meanwhile, Nigerian business leaders keep adding burdens like this N6 SMS fee, doing more harm than good to citizens already struggling,' he said. Hyginus Ogbuike, a resident in Lagos, blamed both the government and its corporate allies for continually making life more difficult for Nigerians. 'It started long ago. If they can increase salaries by 100 percent across all levels, it will be tolerable,' he said. Several analysts have also weighed in on the debate, accusing banks of deliberately withholding in-app transaction alerts to force customers into accepting SMS-based notifications that incur charges. 'Normally, your mobile banking app should notify you of every transaction,' said one tech analyst based in Lagos. 'But Nigerian banks have intentionally left out that feature. Even when you go to the bank to cancel SMS alerts, they ask you to fill a form, and in many cases, the alerts still don't stop.' An anonymous top-level banker explained that the policy is backed by the CBN's Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions, which mandates SMS alerts as a safeguard against fraud. 'Banks are required to send SMS alerts on every account activity. It's not optional unless the customer formally opts out, and even that comes with legal risk.'
Zawya
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Nigeria: NOA partners NCC to protect telecom infrastructure in Oyo
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Oyo State has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to combat the rising threat of vandalism targeting telecommunications infrastructure across the state. This resolution emerged from a meeting held in Ibadan on Thursday between the management teams of both agencies. The session focused on addressing the economic and social impacts of vandalism, which continues to disrupt communication networks and impede national development. The NCC delegation, led by Dr Olubunmi Banjoko, met with Oyo State NOA Director, Dr Olukemi Afolayan, where both parties agreed on a grassroots sensitisation campaign. The NCC emphasised the need to leverage the NOA's broad reach and public trust to raise awareness on the importance of safeguarding telecom infrastructure. Dr Banjoko highlighted the serious implications of vandalism, including disruption of network services, which affects both businesses and individual users; traffic congestion resulting from malfunctioning communication systems; economic setbacks due to productivity loss; and a breakdown in emergency response mechanisms. To address these challenges, both agencies have outlined a joint response strategy. The NOA will spearhead public enlightenment campaigns and advocacy programmes, focusing on local communities where telecom infrastructure is most vulnerable. Additionally, new reporting mechanisms will be established, including a dedicated WhatsApp line, an Instagram page, and special shortcodes to encourage the public to report suspicious activities. There will also be enhanced collaboration with security agencies to apprehend and prosecute individuals involved in the destruction of critical national assets. 'We have a broad mandate that covers all government agencies, and we will use our platforms to caution those attacking public infrastructure,' Dr Afolayan said. The Zonal Controller of the NCC also reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to the initiative, stating: 'The security and protection of telecommunication infrastructure is a priority for the Nigerian Communications Commission, and we will work with all stakeholders to ensure it is safeguarded.'
