ABUJA– The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunications operators to eliminate hidden clauses in their promotional offers and simplify their tariff plans and bundles. This move addresses widespread complaints from subscribers about being unwittingly charged for unsolicited services.
The NCC’s directive aims to provide clear and accurate information about the cost of voice, SMS, and data services. “The objective is to ensure transparency and fairness, enabling consumers to make informed decisions,” stated Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC.
Issued on July 29, 2024, the directive, titled “Guidance on the Simplification of Tariffs in the Nigerian Communications Sector,” requires Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to publish a comprehensive table detailing their tariff plans and bundle offers.
“The table should include all necessary information, such as add-ons, their prices, opt-in and opt-out procedures, and renewal and rollover policies,” the statement explained.
The directive results from consultations with industry stakeholders, including MNOs and Consumer Focus Groups, and extensive data analysis on consumer preferences and expectations. It mandates that service providers display relevant information about their tariffs, including the plan name, price, validity period, price-per-second for calls, expected data speeds, and fair usage policies.
“Operators can maintain existing bonus-led tariff plans until December 31, 2024, during which time they must educate and migrate all subscribers to the simplified plans,” the statement added.
The guidelines also require MNOs to communicate tariffs in “clear language and a user-friendly format,” providing full disclosure of a subscriber’s tariff plan via Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD).
