Telecoms operators In Nigeria Threaten to Increase Tariff

Telecoms operators in Nigeria have threatened to increase their tariffs over the rising cost of running business and security of telecommunications infrastructure in the country.

The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) also says it is considering varying tariffs to some ‘unfriendly telecommunications states’ in order to accommodate their demands.

ALTON is an association of major telecoms operators, including MTN, Glo and Airtel

Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayo, told journalists on Thursday in Lagos that the high cost of energy and security of telecom workers was hampering its operations.

“We are concerned that unless there is an intervention to save this sector, operators will have no choice than to begin a process of price review.

“Operators are very concerned about the rising cost of diesel and its implications on the general cost of business,” the ALTON chair said.

He said the government needed to do a lot more to keep the nation safe and keep telecom workers safe.

“We reaffirm our commitment to working with the security agencies in order to get necessary support for national security.

“We now need protection from sub-national government and agencies to stop the interference of smooth operations of telecom services,” he said.