Nigeria’s telecom operators roll out new prices for data, voice calls, SMS
Following the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50% tariff increase for telecommunications services, major telecom operators in Nigeria have adjusted their pricing structures for data, voice calls, and SMS.
Data pricing adjustments
MTN:
25GB: Increased from N6,500 to N9,750
10GB: Increased from N3,500 to N5,250
5GB: Increased from N1,500 to N2,250
1GB: Increased from N350 to N525
Airtel:
23GB: Increased from N6,000 to N9,000
10GB: Increased from N3,000 to N4,500
9mobile:
22GB: Increased from N5,000 to N7,500
9.5GB: Increased from N1,500 to N3,750
Glo:
24GB: Increased from N5,000 to N7,500
10.8GB: Increased from N2,500 to N3,000
These price hikes represent significant increases across all major telecom providers in Nigeria.
Voice call pricing adjustments
The cost of making calls has also seen an increase due to the new tariff structure:
For instance:
If the previous rate for a one-minute call was approximately N10 (which would now be around N15), this indicates a direct correlation with the approved tariff hike.
Therefore, a user who previously could make approximately 14.8 minutes of calls with N100 airtime will now only be able to make about 7.4 minutes under the new pricing scheme.
SMS pricing adjustments
The cost of sending SMS messages has also increased:
The previous rate of four naira per SMS is expected to rise to around six naira per message.
This comprehensive adjustment across various services highlights how consumers will face increased costs in their daily communication needs as a result of the NCC’s decision.
Telecom operators have cited several factors driving the hike, including inflation, escalating fuel prices, foreign exchange volatility, and rising infrastructure maintenance costs.
READ ALSO: NCC orders telcos to simplify tariffs after Nigerians lament data depletion
The NCC, in its statement, emphasized that the adjustment was necessary to ensure the sector’s sustainability amidst Nigeria’s challenging economic environment.
The price hikes have sparked widespread dissatisfaction among consumers, many of whom are already burdened by a high cost of living.
Social media platforms have been awash with complaints, with users lamenting the increased financial strain on households and businesses reliant on internet access.
