By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has renewed and extended the validity of the 800MHz spectrum band licences given to MTN Nigeria Plc to boost its mobile broadband and voice communication service offerings.

The 800 MHz band is ideal for 4G LTE (Long-Term Evolution) networks, delivering high-speed internet services as its low-frequency range allows signals to travel long distances and penetrate buildings better, ensuring wider coverage, especially in rural or hard-to-reach areas in the country.

The first 800MHz spectrum licence (Channel 1) has been renewed for 10 years, effective from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2034.

The second 800MHz spectrum licence (Channel 2), initially set to expire on December 31, 2030, has been extended by four years, bringing its new expiration date with Channel 1 to December 31, 2034.

This harmonisation of licence tenures ensures that both spectrum licences will now expire concurrently, streamlining future renewals and enhancing operational efficiency.

Commenting on the transactions, MTN Nigeria CEO, Mr Karl Toriola said: “We are pleased with the successful renewal and harmonisation of our 800MHz spectrum licences, which lay a solid foundation for the ongoing delivery of 4G services to our customers.

“This enables us to continue to meet the demand for data and is integral to our broader strategy for enhancing connectivity.”

MTN has the largest market share in the Nigerian telecommunications sector in terms of customer base.

The development comes amid the industry regulator’s approval of the 50 per cent tariff increase for telecom operators in the country, the first since 2013.

The 50 per cent call was lower than the 100 per cent recommended by operators and service providers in the telco industry.

Mr Toriola, who was one of the most vocal proponents for the hike, warned that the review was necessary to sustain the sector and contribute more to economic development.

By Adedapo Adesanya

An association representing the interest of telecommunication subscribers in Nigeria has rejected the 50 per cent tariff increase announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and has threatened legal action.

On Monday, the NCC approved a 50 per cent tariff increase for telecom operators in the country, the first since 2013.

The 50 per cent call was lower than the 100 per cent recommended by the other stakeholders, including the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), which has members like MTN and Airtel.

Now in response, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS) has faulted the move, saying the 50 per cent was too high and called for another review.

The association’s president, Mr Deolu Ogunbanjo, said on Channels Television’s Lunchtime Politics, monitored by Business Post on Tuesday, that the body would approach the courts if there’s no reversal.

He noted that Nigerians are already bearing the brunt of a cost of living crisis, adding that the 50 per cent hike which was supposed to reprieve from the initial 100 per cent recommendation, was still not acceptable.

“It is not it at all. It is so much for subscribers to bear. Already, we are grappling with a lot of things that are surrounding the business climate here… fuel cost, electricity cost, and all that… you are now looking at telcos asking for 100 per cent and NCC now is granting them 50 per cent It is a no-no,” he said.

“We are definitely not going to accept this,” he declared.

The NCC, announcing the hike on Monday, said the increase was pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA) to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges by telecommunications operators.

“…Over 100 per cent requested by some network operators was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability.

“These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024,” the announcement statement noted.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Monday approved a 50 per cent tariff increase on calls, SMS, and internet data for telecoms companies in the company.

This comes after telcos suggested a 100 per cent hike in the tariffs, the first of such changes in over 10 years.

Despite the recommendation, the NCC was concerned about the impact this would have on Nigerians, who are battling a cost of living crisis.

The NCC rationalised the 50 per cent hike, saying it wanted to strike a balance between protecting consumers and ensuring the industry’s sustainability.

“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 per cent of current tariffs, though lower than the over 100 per cent requested by some network operators, was arrived at taking into account ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability,” a statement from the NCC read on Monday night.

Recall that the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Mr Bosun Tijani, has said the federal government may consider between 30 and 60 per cent hike in tariffs.

“I think it should not be more than anywhere between 30 and 60 per cent,” he said during an interview recently.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr Karl Toriola, said telcos are proposing a 100 per cent increase in tariffs to the Nigerian government.

He, however, pointed out that it won’t get such approval but said a substantial change, beneficial to all stakeholders, could be agreed upon.

It is not certain what the reaction of the telcos may be concerning this new development. If they disagree with the approval, it may lead to another round or dialogue or limitation of service offerings.