The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecommunications operators to simplify their tariff plans, bundles, and promotional activities to ensure subscribers have clear and accurate information about the cost of voice, SMS, and data services.
The directive titled “Guidance on the Simplification of Tariffs in the Nigerian Communications Sector” mandates Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to publish a comprehensive table detailing the features of their tariff plans and bundle offers.
This initiative aims to enhance transparency and make it easier for consumers to understand and compare services.
According to NCC, “The table should contain all necessary information for subscribers to make informed decisions, including details on add-ons, their prices, how consumers can opt-in or out, terms and conditions for renewal, and rollover policies.”
The commission said the guideline is the result of in-depth data analysis on customer preferences and expectations, as well as discussions with industry stakeholders, including MNOs and Customer Focus Groups.
Also clarifying that the goals of the simplification rules are to guarantee fairness and transparency of tariff plan promotional features, NCC said it would lessen the complexity of tariff plans and bundles.
“It will also protect consumers’ interests by providing clear and understandable tariff information so that they make informed decisions, and promote fair competition among licensees by standardising tariff structures.
“Service providers are also required to display all relevant information about their tariffs, such as the name of the plan, price, validity period, price-per-second for on or off-network and international calls, expected data speeds, and fair usage policies.
“Operators can maintain existing bonus-led tariff plans till 31st December 2024, within which period operators are expected to educate and migrate all subscribers to the simplified tariff plans,” the commission stated.
The guidelines further mandate MNOs to communicate tariff plans to subscribers in “clear language and a user-friendly format,” with full disclosure of a subscriber’s tariff plan via Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD).
Additionally, operators must offer stand-alone data bundles at fair prices to avoid forcing consumers to buy into products they do not need; bonuses on promotions must be stated in actual value; access fees and asymmetric fee structures must be eliminated,” among other conditions.
The NCC highlighted that operators must also meet the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) requirements outlined in the Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations in addition to adhering to these guidelines.
