To enhance transparency and simplify customer understanding, NCC has implemented a new measure by limiting the number of tariff plans to seven.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a directive requiring all telecommunications operators within the country to restrict the number of available tariff plans to a maximum of seven. The NCC has established new tariff guidelines aimed at enhancing transparency, improving consumer comprehension, and promoting fair competition among the Commission's licensees.

Additionally, the number of bundles that each operator can offer has been capped at 100, with the stipulation that no subscriber may be enrolled in more than one tariff plan simultaneously. The NCC defines a tariff plan as a structured pricing framework that delineates the charges and conditions under which telecommunications services are rendered to subscribers.

This information was made public in a document posted on the NCC's website, signed by the Executive Vice-Chairman, Aminu Maida, on Saturday. The document states, “The number of tariff plans offered per operator is limited to seven, and the number of bundles offered per operator is limited to 100.

There are no restrictions on the number of add-ons a subscriber may choose. However, each operator must implement a system that informs subscribers of the number of add-ons they possess when purchasing additional ones.

Subscribers should be able to verify (via USSD string or SMS) the number of add-ons acquired.” Investigations by our correspondent revealed that the two leading telecommunications companies currently provide more tariff plans than the number specified in the directive. MTN offers eight tariff plans, Etisalat has seven, Airtel provides ten plans, and Glo presents four tariff plans to its customers.

In the document titled ‘Guidance for the Simplification of Tariffs,’ the NCC emphasized that full disclosure of all tariff components and conditions is essential, instructing telecommunications companies to ensure that all marketing and promotional materials are clear and easily understandable.

The NCC emphasized the importance of prioritizing consumer education and ensuring transparency in all communications with subscribers. This enables subscribers to make informed decisions regarding their services.

It said, “Develop and submit detailed migration plans to transition subscribers smoothly to new tariff plans, without loss of service quality or benefits.”

“All promotional elements must receive prior approval from the Commission and should be offered as standalone products with clear terms and validity periods.

“Submit comprehensive periodical reports detailing all active tariff plans, bundles, promotions, and Quality of Service (QoS) metrics.

“The guidance shall take effect on 29 July and will remain valid and binding on licensees until further reviewed by the commission.”

The commission has mandated the removal of all promotional elements from tariff plans, which are to be offered as standalone promotions, subject to prior approval, time limits, QoS/capacity requirements, and adherence to full disclosure requirements.

Operators are allowed to maintain current bonus-led tariff plans until 3 December, during which time they must educate and transition all subscribers to simplified tariff plans.

Operators can opt to keep only one bonus-led new subscriber acquisition plan, with new subscribers being retained on such a plan for a maximum of six months before being moved to a standard tariff plan of their choice. Failure to migrate after being prompted will result in subscribers being reverted to the default tariff plan.

Tariff elements of promotional activities/new acquisition plans must comply with the commission’s price floor and price cap, with bonus allowances clearly stated in naira terms and specific units for voice, data, and SMS. Operators are required to fully disclose these details in their advertising materials.

Add-on subscriptions should be optional for subscribers, allowing them to purchase any add-ons of their choice while remaining on their existing tariff plan and/or bundle.

Free add-ons must be treated as promotional offerings and approved by the Commission as per the guidelines on promotional advertisements, 2023.

Service providers must also obtain evidence of informed consent from subscribers to accept add-ons, in accordance with the Commission’s regulatory instruments.

The NCC has emphasized that failure to comply with the guidelines will result in penalties, and operators are required to adjust their services within 90 days of the issuance date.

Additionally, existing tariffs must have transition plans submitted by 12 August 2024, with the Commission reviewing and responding within 10 working days. Applications for tariff approval and modifications should include detailed disclosure forms.

Non-compliance may lead to fines, suspension of approvals, or other regulatory actions as outlined in the Act, related regulations, and the Enforcement Process Regulation.

Operators are instructed to inform subscribers of any tariff changes, including migration to new plans, at least 30 days in advance, with clear explanations of reasons and benefits.

Despite claims of a tariff increase approval, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria, represented by Gbenga Adebayo, has stated that no such approval has been granted.

Our investigation also revealed that the rates remain unchanged based on calls and messages to various lines.