By Stephen V. Lansana
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Native Consortium and Research Center, Edmond Abu Jr. on Monday, November 6, 2023, warned the National Telecommunication Authority (NaTCA) and the Ministry of Communications, Technology and Innovation to remove the floor tariff and discontinue the conspiracy set by their predecessors under the New Direction government.
He made this comment when reacting to the new 70% voice tariff and 33% data tariff increment.
The previous floor price on Mobile voice calls was NLe 0.95 but the new price is now NLE 1.63, that is, 0.68 increase in price. The previous price ceiling for mobile voice calls was NLE 1.1 and the new price is NLE 1.86, that is, 0.76 increase in price. The previous fixed price for mobile data service was NLE 15 for 1Gegabytes, but it’s now NLE 20, that is, NLE 5 increase in price.
The Native Consortium calls this increment as being disproportionate and inexcusable.
He said that fuel cost is not an excuse for tariff increment.
“As if the increment is not enough, what is more killing is the pushing of the floor tariff compelling other MNOs [Mobile Network Operators] like Qcell who wants to offer cheaper tariff but to forcefully increase their tariff,” the CEO disclosed.
The Consortium urged NaTCA and the Ministry of Communications to remove the floor tariff and allow fair competition in a free market economy.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education said in a press statement that the MNOs had pressed for an over 100% increase in mobile service tariffs due to a number of factors, including inflation and increase in fuel and electricity prices that significantly affected their overhead costs.
“After a successful negotiation in which the government secured major wins, including the reinstatement of bonuses and promotions, and improved quality of services, government and the MNOs have agreed on said tariff adjustments.