Telecom Tariffs On The Rise: Why Are We Paying More For Less?

Telecom Tariffs On The Rise: Why Are We Paying More For Less?

It was 11:45 AM on a typical Monday, and I was preparing for a crucial meeting scheduled for noon. I powered up my laptop, adjusted my MTN MiFi to the optimal spot, and hoped for a stable internet connection. Unfortunately, the network was abysmal. I clicked the “Join Meeting” button on Zoom, but nothing happened. After multiple attempts, each met with an endless “connecting” notification, my frustration grew by the minute.

By 12:05 PM, I was already late. I tried to call the host to explain my connectivity issues, but my calls failed to go through. Even a mobile data hotspot yielded no better results.

This was not my first encounter with such setbacks. The instability in network service has deteriorated in recent weeks, compounding my challenges. I attempted to switch to my Airtel MiFi, only to face even worse connectivity. After another failed attempt, I had no choice but to abandon my scheduled role in the meeting.

I had grown accustomed to these frustrating interruptions, which always seem to strike during pivotal moments. Defeated, I shut my laptop and took a moment to rest. Upon waking an hour later, I noticed a decent signal on my phone and scrolled through X (formerly Twitter), where a news article further fueled my frustration.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had approved a staggering hike in call, SMS, and data tariffs of up to 50%. As I read the reasons behind this increase, I was left bewildered. The telecom companies were not raising prices due to improved service delivery or plans to enhance their infrastructure; rather, the hikes appeared unjustifiable.

When will we receive the reliable network services we desperately need in Nigeria for seamless communication? Why have the NCC and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy allowed this state of affairs to persist without meaningful improvements in service quality? Despite the rising charges, the core issues remain unresolved.

In Abuja, the capital where one might expect advanced technology, 5G networks are either non-existent or barely functional. 4G connectivity flickers inconsistently, with download speeds hovering around 50 kbps during the day and 125 kbps at night, on good days. Even in busy urban areas, the anticipated high-quality network service abysmally fails to meet expectations—while we are asked to shoulder the burden of soaring tariffs.

The NCC has granted telecom operators permission to raise these fees without ensuring that the quality of service justifies the increase. If the services provided cannot warrant these new charges, what exactly are Nigerians paying for?

How do individuals whose employment hinges on reliable online communication manage? How many others experience this daily frustration? How many opportunities have slipped away due to these unreliable network conditions that also hinder basic communication with loved ones?

As always, it’s the ordinary Nigerians who bear the brunt of these hikes while already grappling with the challenges of a struggling economy.

It was just another day overshadowed by telecom failures that added to the growing list of frustrations.

Nigerians are left with little choice but to voice their complaints ad nauseum before ultimately resigning themselves to the status quo, adapting to yet another layer of systemic discontent. We will grumble on social media and share our grievances among family and friends, but inevitably, like countless times before, we will adjust and carry on. The cycle of disappointment continues.

We will begrudgingly accept the new harsh reality of increased tariffs and unchanged network quality. This has sadly become the norm for many Nigerians, conditioned by the system to accept such circumstances.

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