*The Nigerian Communications Commission expresses confidence the US$0.10 new International Termination Rate will make a significant contribution to development of the telecoms sector, and be beneficial to consumers, operators, and the West African country at large

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

In a move to ensure a level-playing field that recognises the unique disposition and characteristics of genuine players in the country鈥檚 telecoms market, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued an amended Determination of Mobile (Voice) International Termination Rate (ITR) for implementation with effect from September 1, 2022.

绿帽献妻 reports the NCC stated the ITR for voice services paid for terminating international calls on local networks in Nigeria is now US$0.10, up from the previous rate of US$0.045.

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Mr. Reuben Muoka, 聽Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, in a statement 聽said under the amended determination, the international carrier market had been classified into MNOs/International Carriers and Small/Nigerian Transit Carriers/IDA Operators to ensure a level-playing field that recognises the unique disposition and characteristics of genuine market participants.

Muoka stated the Nigerian Transit Carriers/IDA Operators shall terminate inbound international calls in the network of domestic operators at a discount of 21 percent on the US$0.10.

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In determining the amended ITR, the telecoms sector regulatory Commission noted it carefully considered information and insights provided by stakeholders at different meetings and fora, which reviewed the previous rate and the industry鈥檚 operating environment.

鈥淭his is in addition to the cost model results, the state of competition in the sector and the Nigerian macroeconomic environment.

鈥淭he Commission reiterates that the process of arriving at the ITR was conducted transparently with a view to providing maximum clarity to all parties without compromising the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information,鈥� said the NCC.

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The Commission also expressed confidence that the new ITR, which is the outcome of the various stakeholder engagements, will make a significant contribution to the development of the telecoms sector in Nigeria and be beneficial to subscribers, operators, and the country at large.

Meanwhile, the Mobile Termination Rates of N3.90 (for Generic 2G/3G/4G Operators) and N4.70 (for new entrants (LTE)/Small Operators determined in 2018) will continue to apply for local call terminations until the Commission makes a new determination, the NCC stated.