Telecom companies in Nigeria have warned that phone and internet services could face major problems by 2025 unless urgent action is taken. The warning was issued by the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), which represents the nation’s telecom companies.
The group says that the cost of running telecom services, like maintaining cell towers and paying for electricity, has gone up a lot, while the amount they charge customers for services has stayed the same for years.
Gbenga Adebayo, the chairman of ALTON, explained that if the government doesn’t allow telecom companies to raise their prices, they might have to cut back on their services.
“Tariffs must accurately reflect the true cost of service delivery. Without this adjustment, operators cannot guarantee the continued availability of reliable services.”
“Operators may be forced to limit services to certain areas and times, disrupting connectivity for millions. This will have far- reaching economic consequences, particularly for sectors like security, commerce, healthcare, and education, which rely heavily on telecom infrastructure.”
“Businesses will face significant connectivity challenges, stalling growth and innovation. The national economy will suffer from a ripple effect of disruptions,” Adebayo said.
The group has asked the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the agency that oversees telecoms in the country, to approve a price review. They say this is the only way to make sure services can continue without interruptions.
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