NCC Reduces SMS Charges To N4

Telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has slashed the cost of Short Messaging Service (SMS) in the country from currently N7 to N4 per message.

Head, Media & Public Relations, NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka informed DigitalSENSE Business News today that the Commission hasset a new price cap of N4.00 (Four Naira per message) for all domestic Off-Net Short Messaging Service with effect from February 5, 2013.

He also said the directive to this effect was communicated to the operators since January 3, 2013, but added that the Commission will not place a price cap on International SMS at this time.

The directive, signed by the Director, Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, Ms. Josephine Amuwa, stated the Commission  arrived at the new  price cap after due considerations of the submissions made by the operators at various consultative meetings.

She said having evaluated and analyzed SMS traffic information provided by the operators, the Commission noted that “there was a general recognition that the cost of SMS is too high, especially in view of the interconnection rate of N1.02 (One Naira, Two Kobo Only) for SMS as determined by the Commission in 2009.”

She also noted that the operators had proposed a price cap ranging between N5-10  per message for Off-Net SMS. 

The operators, DigitalSENSE Business News also urged the Commission not to set a cap for international SMS due to the fact that Interconnect rates for International SMS are outside their control as it is terminated through international carrier service providers in various jurisdictions.