‘Expect poor data services’, Nigeria’s telecoms announces following suspension of price hike in data

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has alerted consumers to expect poor data services following the suspension of the proposed increase in data tariff by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).The proposed increase which received a lot of backlash from the public was immediately condemned by the senate which ordered NCC to halt such plans.The chairman of ALTON, Mr.Gbenga Adebayo, in a statement, said the increase was in order to create better internet services for subscribers. He however, said he could relate to sentiments of the public regarding the proposed hike but all was for the good of the public.He also said the Commission had full consultation with the telecommunications industry before finalization of the data tariff floor and now due to the suspension of the tariffs, network service providers were unable to recover the cost of providing data services and reinvest in capacity expansion. Also, the current economic crash has made current data tariffs unsustainable.Mr. Tony Ojobo, the Director of Public Affairs, NCC said in a statement that the decision to suspend the increase was as a result of consultation with the industry leaders and massive outcry from the public. Therefore, all service operators were asked to maintain their current prices till full determination of retail prices for data services was made.