Headlinenews.news reports that the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Nigeria, including Globacom, 9mobile, MTN, and Airtel, have urged the federal government to initiate constructive dialogue within the industry. They argue that the current pricing mechanism does not align with economic realities, prompting the need for government intervention to address pricing challenges. In a joint statement by the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) on Thursday, the four telecom giants emphasized that they are the only ones yet to adjust their prices, a situation that threatens industry sustainability and investor confidence.
ALTON Chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo, and ATCON President, Mr. Tony Emoekpere, underscored that there hasn’t been a general upward adjustment in service pricing framework for the past 11 years, mainly due to regulatory constraints despite economic hardships. They urged the government to engage in constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders to establish a pricing framework that balances consumer affordability with operator financial viability.
Additionally, the telcos raised concerns about the worsening security challenges affecting service productivity, urging the federal government to implement measures to address the menace. They highlighted the critical role of telecom infrastructure in national security and socioeconomic growth, especially amid multiple security threats. Attacks on cell towers, fibre optic cables, and other critical assets disrupt telecom services and result in significant financial losses for operators. The telcos called for government prioritization of telecom infrastructure security, collaboration with law enforcement agencies to enhance protection measures, and effective combat against vandalism and sabotage.
Furthermore, the telcos emphasized the need for substantial investments in network expansion, maintenance, and technology upgrades to meet growing demands and enhance service delivery.
