ATCON Supports Planned Tariff Hike
… Advocates Infrastructure Investment
By Patience Ikpeme
The Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has expressed its support for the federal government’s planned tariff hike in the telecommunications sector.
ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that while the proposed increase was long overdue, it remains a welcome development and represents a work in progress.
Emoekpere emphasized the need for the tariff adjustment to be implemented promptly to enable Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to plan effectively. He noted that despite the delay, a 100% hike would not be excessive, considering the stagnation of tariffs over the years.
“The issue is a work in progress. Although it’s coming a bit late, given how long the tariffs have remained stagnant, a 100% hike is not an unreasonable leap,” Emoekpere stated.
“Had the federal government delayed this decision further, the eventual adjustment could have been even more drastic. Now, we need to focus on how best to implement this change for the sector’s growth,” he added.
Emoekpere also highlighted the government’s intention to invest in telecommunications infrastructure, describing it as a standard practice globally. He stressed the critical role of telecommunications as national infrastructure and the importance of government involvement in its development and protection.
“In other countries, governments still invest in telecommunications infrastructure, and this would be a welcome development for Nigeria,” he said.
He argued that government involvement could help curb the vandalism of telecom infrastructure, which has persisted due to insufficient protection.
“With the government actively participating in the sector, I believe the vandalisation of infrastructure will reduce to the barest minimum,” Emoekpere concluded.
