Airtel Nigeria, the second largest telecommunications operator in the country, officially implemented a major revision of his data and the price structure of calls, citing the increase in operational costs as an adjustment engine.
The tariff changes, which have come into force recently, come in the middle of a wave of pressure on the costs that have forced telecommunications operators to reassess their price models.
An examination of Airtel’s USSD code (312 #) and its official website confirms the new pricing structure, which has drawn mixed reactions from subscribers. Although the company insists that the changes are necessary to maintain the quality of the services and maintain operations, many users have expressed their frustration as to the increase in the cost of connectivity.
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The Nigerian telecommunications sector has fought against the climbing of the costs caused by inflation, the volatility of foreign exchange and the increase in maintenance expenses of the network. The weakening of the Naira against the dollar had a significant impact on the cost of importing the essential telecommunications equipment and the maintenance of infrastructure, which makes it increasingly difficult for operators to maintain the previous price levels .
Airtel Nigeria’s decision follows an increase in similar prices from MTN Nigeria, the largest telecommunications operator in the country, which implemented a 50% increase in data and call rates last week. This suggests that the whole industry feels heat, the main players adjusting their prices to remain profitable.
New Airtel data plans and call rates
Airtel’s new price structure has actually doubled the cost of some of its most popular data plans. For example, a monthly subscription that previously offered 1.5 GB for N1 200 has now been adjusted to 3 GB for 2,000 N, while the 8 GB plan, which previously cost N2 000, was increased to N3 000. The adjustments also extend to more important data bundles, the 25 GB plan now going for 8,000 N, compared to 5,000 N.
In addition to data rate rate adjustments, Airtel has also increased its call rates, increasing 18 kobo billing per second to 25 kobo per second. This means that users will now pay much more for voice calls, which more aggravates concerns about the increase in telecommunications expenses.
While many plans have been adjusted, some pricing packages remain unchanged, including the 5 GB weekly plan for 1,500 N.
In addition to data and call rate hikes, Airtel Nigeria has also increased the cost of sending SMS. The subscribers will now pay N6.00 by SMS, up compared to the previous rate of N4.00. However, other major operators, including MTN, Globacom and 9mobile, have also implemented the same price adjustment.
The NCC Communications Commission (NCC), the regulatory body of industry, had previously approved a maximum rate increase of 50% for telecommunications operators. The Commission justified the decision by citing the increase in costs to do business in Nigeria and the need for the sustainability of the industry.
According to the CCN, the approval was granted under article 108 of Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA). The regulator recognized public concerns concerning the increase in telecommunications costs but defended its decision, declaring: “While recognizing public concerns, the decision was made after numerous consultations with the main stakeholders in the public sectors and private. “
Subscribers express the frustration of cost increases
As expected, the new pricing structure has sparked a wave of reactions from Nigerian telecommunications users. Many subscribers have brought social media to express their dissatisfaction, noting that higher data and prices call for household budgets already overwhelmed by inflation and economic difficulties.
Hikes also occur at a time when Internet access is more crucial than ever, with companies, students and professionals who depend strongly on data connectivity. Many users fear that higher costs will limit access to affordable communication, especially for low -income Nigerians.
“It is unfair that these mobile networks (MTN and Airtel) exploit the Nigerians because they know that we cannot do data,” said an X user.
The future of telecommunications prizes in Nigeria
The recent price increases by Airtel and MTN suggest that telecommunications costs in Nigeria can continue to increase, especially since economic conditions remain volatile. Other operators, including Globacom and 9mobile, could soon follow suit with their own pricing adjustments.
For the moment, subscribers will have to reassess their data and call use as telecommunications are becoming more and more expensive. However, the question that many are asking: will these price increases ultimately improve the quality of service?
