By Prince Osuagwu, Hi-Tech Editor

ASOCIATION of Telecommunications Compa-
nies of Nigeria, ATCON, has appealed for calm from subscribers and other stakeholders who appear peeved by the 50 percent tariff hike, assuring that the increment will spur a considerable level of improvement in telecom
services.

Read Also: SERAP gives Tinubu 48 hours to reverse 50% tariff hike

The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, on Monday, approved 50 percent tariff adjustments for telecommunications operators, saying it was to relieve them of the pressure of mounting operational challenges, so they can deliver quality telecom services.

However, the decision has attracted criticisms from different associations, including the Na-
tional Association of Telecom Subscribers, NATCOMs, and Socio Economic Rights And Accountability Project, SERAP, among others, threatening to challenge the decision in court if not reversed.

NATCOMS said the most its members can accept is a marginal increase of between five and 10 percent and not a 50 percent which will affect both the common people and small businesses in the country.

President of the association, Chief Deolu Ogubanjo said: “We are alarmed that the NCC will approve a whopping 50 percent price hike for operators without considering the implications to the common subscribers and the small businesses in the country.

What we envisaged was just a marginal increase and if it wasn’t enough, the telcos can go the way of Independent Private Placements, IPOs, after all, Nigerians want to co-own some of the telcos too. Alternatively, they can also consider settling the huge debts they owe to one another, as well as persuading the banks to also pay the huge USSD debts they owe.

“All these will have put them back in business. This increase is outrageous and we will chal-
lenge it in court,” he added.

SERAP on its part has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the Federal Government and telecommunications companies (telcos) to reverse the recent 50% hike in the cost of calls and data, describing it as “unlawful”.

The organisation said it will take legal action if it is not rescinded within the stipulate time.