The major telecommunications companies in Nigeria, including Glo, MTN, Airtel, and 9Mobile, are urging the federal government to engage in constructive discussions within the industry. These companies are concerned that the current price control mechanisms do not align with economic realities, leading to pricing challenges that threaten the sustainability of the industry and may impact investor confidence. Despite economic difficulties, these telcos have not adjusted their prices for over a decade due to regulatory constraints.
In a joint statement by the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) and the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), they emphasized the need for a pricing framework that balances consumer affordability with operators’ financial viability. They are calling for a dialogue with government stakeholders to address these pricing challenges and establish a framework that ensures the industry’s sustainability.
The telecommunications companies highlighted concerns about the escalating security issues affecting their services. They stressed the importance of safeguarding telecom infrastructure for national security and economic growth, especially in the face of increasing security threats.
The telcos emphasized the need for enhanced security measures to protect critical assets like cell towers and fiber optic cables from vandalism and sabotage, which disrupt services and lead to financial losses. Moreover, the industry requires significant investments in network expansion, maintenance, and technological upgrades to meet the growing demands of consumers and ensure the sector’s continued development.
