Some ICT
stakeholders have expressed mixed reaction to the proposed increase in the cost
of data by some telecommunication operators from Dec. 1, the News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) reports.
NAN
recalls that some telecommunication companies have been sending out messages to
subscribers that they will increase data rate from Dec. 1, in line with the
Nigeria Communications Commission’s order.
Mr
Olusola Teniola, the President Association of Telecommunication Companies of
Nigeria (ATCON) said that with the increase, other telecom companies would jerk
up their prices, which would adversely affect subscribers.
He said
that operators would also increase the cost of megabytes, which consumers could
not afford at this time of economic recession.
“So what
we are saying at ATCON is that no taxes should be applied in this industry and
if there any taxes, it should also include other sectors.
“Already,
the cost of data will go up in December and subscribers will not be getting as
much data as they paid for,’’ he said.
Mr Edwin
Okolo, a computer scientist said that the increase in the cost of data “is
uncalled for’’, adding that there should be other avenues for government to
make money.
“What we
are saying is that we want every Nigerian to be linked with the internet and
you are planning to increase the cost of data, so it is no longer for the
poor,’’ he said.
However,
Mr Adede Williams, the National President of Telecommunications Professionals
of Nigeria sought the understanding of subscribers in the proposed increase.
Williams
said that some stakeholders in the telecom sector were soliciting the
understanding of the subscribers in the increase.
“We the
stakeholders are appealing to the subscriber to have a little understanding for
to have effective service delivery.
“If you
check out the tariff, it is just a slight difference from what we use to have,
so that is the true position of things now.
“Some of
the subscribers have been informed before now of the tariff increase.
“I know
it is not easy but it is just because of the trend of what is happening in the
country,’’ he said.
Source:
(NAN)
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Business