Public Outcry as telecommunications companies in the country set to hike data prices

By Akinwande OnadekoStarting from December 1, 2016, internet users in the country will begin to pay increased fees for internet services as the current recession has taken a huge toll on the telecommunications industry.The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) which regulates telecommunications services ordered service providers to increase data subscription by almost 100 percent starting from December 1, 2016. A data bundle of 1.5 gigabytes will now cost N3,000 as opposed to the former cost of N1, 000; this means that 500 megabytes will now cost N1,000.This increase in cost of data services from the nation’s service providers like MTN, Globacom, Etisalat and Airtel will see a reduction in social media activity. It also mocks the nation’s plan to increase its broadband by 30 percent. Certain service providers like MTN have already begun warning its subscribers about the forthcoming increase in data bundles via text messages.This increase has received backlash from the public who not only see it as a means of further impoverishment but as a plot by the federal government to limit freedom of expression through the use of social media against the numerous failures of the government.In a statement made by the president of the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMS), Mr. Deolu Ogunbayo to Guardian news, he said ”˜It could actually be a plot by the federal government to reduce access to the social media through the ”˜back door’. The government has been complaining of late about abuse that has become the order of the day.The Trade Union Congress (TUC) however saw it as a conspiracy between the federal government through NCC and certain mega telecommunications firms like MTN to increase data rates so as to further frustrate Nigerians.A source at the NCC explained that the decision to increase data tariffs was given because the telecommunications companies were charging below cost price, thus this might result in the liquidation of smaller network companies.This increase has however become a source of public outcry.