‘Proposed data hike: Internet no longer for the poor’

Some ICT stakeholders have expressed mixed reaction to the proposed increase in the cost of data by some telecommunication operators from Dec. 1, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

Some telecommunication companies have been sending out messages to subscribers that they will increase data rate from Dec. 1, in line with the Nigeria Communications Commission’s order.

Mr Olusola Teniola, the President Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) said that with the increase, other telecom companies would jerk up their prices, which would adversely affect subscribers.

He said that operators would also increase the cost of megabytes, which consumers could not afford at this time of economic recession.

“So what we are saying at ATCON is that no taxes should be applied in this industry and if there any taxes, it should also include other sectors.

“Already, the cost of data will go up in December and subscribers will not be getting as much data as they paid for,’’ he said.

Mr Edwin Okolo, a computer scientist said that the increase in the cost of data “is uncalled for’’, adding that there should be other avenues for government to make money.

“What we are saying is that we want every Nigerian to be linked with the internet and you are planning to increase the cost of data, so it is no longer for the poor,’’ he said.

However, Mr Adede Williams, the National President of Telecommunications Professionals of Nigeria sought the understanding of subscribers in the proposed increase.

Williams said that some stakeholders in the telecom sector were soliciting the understanding of the subscribers in the increase.

“We the stakeholders are appealing to the subscriber to have a little understanding for to have effective service delivery.

“If you check out the tariff, it is just a slight difference from what we use to have, so that is the true position of things now.

“Some of the subscribers have been informed before now of the tariff increase.

“I know it is not easy but it is just because of the trend of what is happening in the country,’’ he said.

(NAN)