*The Nigerian Communications Commission issues a fresh Guidance to reduce the complexity of tariff plans and bundles, ensure transparency and fairness in promotional elements of tariff plans, and protect consumers鈥� interests with clear and understandable tariff information in the country鈥檚 telecoms ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

In furtherance of its consumer education and protection initiatives, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) released a new framework in a move to regulate communications services in the country.

绿帽献妻 reports the telecoms sector regulatory Commission, in the recent tariff regulatory document, disclosed the Guidance was designed to enable the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and other service providers in the country鈥檚 digital space to adhere to service standards and Key Performance Indictors (KPIs) set in the Quality of Service (QoS) Regulations.

The NCC, in the introduction to the framework released via its corporate Web site at the weekend titled, 鈥溾��, and signed by Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, the Commission stated it is also meant for 鈥渢he simplification of tariff plans, bundles and promotional activities that include tariffs.鈥�

It noted: 鈥淭his Guidance is designed to enhance transparency, improve consumer understanding and foster fair competition among licensees of the Commission.鈥�

On scope and specific objectives of the Guidance

The NCC further explained the Guidance is pursuant to the regulatory powers of the Nigerian Communications Commission under Sections 3, 108 and 109 of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003 (Act), as well as relevant subsidiary legislations empowering the Commission in that regard.

鈥淚t is also in furtherance of the mandate of the Commission to regulate communications services and ensure consumer protection in the sector.

鈥淭he Commission hereby issues this Guidance for the simplification of tariff plans, bundles and promotional activities that include tariffs.鈥�

The telecoms regulator, which stated that the Guidance applies to 鈥渁ll licensees of the Commission and its primary objectives are to 鈥渞educe the complexity of tariff plans and bundles; ensure that promotional elements of tariff plans are transparent and fair; and protect consumers鈥� interests by providing clear and understandable tariff information.鈥�

The NCC as well indicated the document is to promote fair competition among licensees by standardising tariff structures; and Mobile Network Operators (must apply these rules in their entirety to all retail products offered to individual subscribers (both prepaid and postpaid).

It equally said other categories of licensees are, however, required to apply only the disclosure requirements and transparency template as well as the conditions for tariff approvals.

As regards its applicability in the telecoms ecosystem, the Commission asserted 鈥渢his Guidance is a regulatory directive and will be implemented alongside the provisions of the Act, regulatory instruments and relevant subsidiary legislations as may be issued by the Commission from time to time.鈥�

The regulator also stated that in the event of any conflict between the Guidance and the Act or any subsidiary legislation, the provision of the new Guidance shall be subordinated to the provisions of the Act and the relevant subsidiary legislation.

Regulation for service providers on retail products to telecoms consumers

In connection with the application of the new regulation in retail products to subscribers, the NCC stated: 鈥淭he number of tariff plans offered per operator is limited to seven, and the number of bundles offered per operator is limited to 100.

鈥淭here are no limitations to the number of add-ons a subscriber can opt into. However, each operator must have in place a mechanism that informs subscribers of the number of add-ons they have at the point of purchasing another add-on.

鈥淪ubscribers must be able to check (via USSD string, SMS) the number of add-ons purchased.鈥�

According to the Commission, full disclosure of all tariff components and conditions is mandatory.

It also mandated the Nigerian Telcos to ensure that all marketing and promotional materials are clear and comprehensible for telecoms consumers.

The Commission stated the operators should prioritise consumer education and transparency in all communications to ensure subscribers could make informed choices.

鈥淒evelop and submit detailed migration plans to transition subscribers smoothly to new tariff plans, without loss of service quality or benefits.

鈥淎ll promotional elements must receive prior approval from the Commission and should be offered as standalone products with clear terms and validity periods.

鈥淪ubmit comprehensive periodical reports detailing all active tariff plans, bundles, promotions, and Quality of Service (QoS) metrics,鈥� said the NCC in the Guidance.

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