ALTON Says Mobile Termination Rate Review Will Not Automatically Hike Tariffs
By Aboki Forex —
Telecommunications operators in Nigeria have moved to calm fears that the ongoing review of mobile termination rates (MTRs) will lead to an automatic increase in consumer tariffs. The operators say the outcome could even bring lower prices depending on what the data shows.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has begun a comprehensive cost based study of MTRs. These are the wholesale charges telecom companies pay each other to complete calls across different networks. The review is the first major update to the framework since 2018. NCC has brought in KPMG to help with the process.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), urged stakeholders to stop speculating. He said the exercise is standard industry practice aimed at aligning pricing with current economic realities like inflation and foreign exchange pressure.
He stressed that the review is not a pre-determined move to raise consumer tariffs. Adebayo said there is no need for panic. The final outcome will depend on the data and the regulatory process.
Stakeholders say the result could reshape telecom pricing, investment and competition in Nigeria. The market is watching closely.