Telecommunications operators in the country have been directed by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to simplify their tariff plans, bundles, and promotional activities.
Dr Reuben Muoka, the NCC Director of Public Affairs, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, explained the directive became necessary for clarity and accurate information about the cost of voice, Short Messaging Service (SMS) and data services to subscribers.
He said the guideline arose from consultations with industry stakeholders, including MNOs and Consumer Focus Groups, as well as broad data analysis on consumer expectations.
The statement read: “It mandates Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to publish a comprehensive table showing the features of their tariff plans and bundle offers.
“The table should contain all necessary information for subscribers to make informed decisions.
“It should provide details on add-ons, their prices, how consumers can opt-in or out, terms and conditions for renewal, and rollover policies.”
This, he stated, would minimise the complexity of tariff plans and bundles, and ensure transparency and fairness of promotional elements of tariff plans.
Furthermore, Muoka said it would also protect consumers’ interests by making available clear and understandable tariff information to help them make informed decisions and promote fair competition.
The statement added: “Service providers are required to display all relevant information about their tariffs, such as the name of the plan and price.
“They should also display information about 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 Dec. 31, within which period they are expected to educate and migrate all subscribers to the simplified tariff plans.
“Operators must offer stand-alone data bundles at fair prices to avoid tying consumers with products that they do not need.”
Emphasising that while complying with the guidelines, operators must also meet also the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) standards set out in the Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations, the NCC stated that the actual value of bonuses on promotions must be clearly stated and eliminate access fees and asymmetric fee structures.