Managing Directors of Africell, Orange and QCell
Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) which include Orange – SL, Africell and Qcell have had a consultative engagement with key stakeholders in what was described as Public Private Dialogue (PBD) on the need for a review on the cost of tariff across these Network Service Providers.
This, according to them, came against the backdrop of the unprecedented hike in dollar exchange rate in the nation which has had significant adverse effect on their operations drive as Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) such as what they spend in building new network sites, paying of huge capacity of staff, cost of fuel and their usual gesture in the form of Corporate Service Responsibilities (CSR) among other things.
These critical stakeholders included Operators, Consumers and Regulators.
The Director General of the National Telecommunications Authority (NaTcA), Daniel Bobson Kaitibi, said that while they understandably empathise with the MNOs, but the proposal would have to be critically looked into for further recommendation adding that even if an increment in the cost for tariff would have to set in, let it be minimal so as to make their networks not only accessible but also be made affordable and available.
Mr. Kabia, who happens to be one of the Commissioners at NaTcA, recommended also that much as he endorses the need for an increment in the price for tariff, given the prevailing circumstances as advanced by MNOs, he advised that let it be minimal relying on Section 118 (2) (a) of the NATCA Act as amended adding that the networks should not only be accessible and affordable, but should be available and acceptable.
While making their remarks, both the Minster and Deputy Minister of Information and Communications – Mohamed Rahman Rado Swaray and Solomon Jamiru (Esq.) respectively recommended to MNOs that wider consultations with consumers should be undertaken or embarked on.
