Airtel Nigeria has followed MTN Nigeria in raising call and internet tariffs by 50%, one week after MTN Nigeria imposed a similar hike.
This is part of telecom operators’ upward price review following the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50% tariff increase in the industry. Under the new pricing structure, Airtel has replaced its cheapest monthly data package of 1.2GB for N1,000 with 2GB for N1,500.
Other adjustments include 3GB for N2,000 (up from 1.5GB at N1,200), 4GB for N2,500 (previously 3GB at N1,500), and 8GB for N3,000 (originally 4.5GB at N2,000). Other changes include 10GB for N4,000 (formerly 6GB at N2,500), 13GB for N5,000 (previously 10GB at N3,000), 18GB for N6,000 (previously 15GB at N4,000), and 25GB for N8,000 (instead of 18GB at N5,000).
Call rates have been increased to 25 kobo per second from approximately 18 lobo per second. Like MTN, Airtel has left several rate options unchanged. For example, the 5GB plan each week for N1,500 remains constant.
The tariff increase is intended to promote “the ability of operators to continue investing in infrastructure and innovation, ultimately benefiting consumers through improved services and connectivity, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and greater coverage.”
However, experts warn that it may put additional burden on consumers’ budgets. According to Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Financial Derivatives Company, the raise promises to benefit operators but would put further burden on consumers’ finances, potentially “resulting in decreased usage from consumers.”