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.

NAN recalls that 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)

Read more at http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/business/nigerians-react-to-proposed-hike-in-cost-of-data/173806.html#9h0yqlCwY6gopMMK.99

Spokespersons for buhari will rili find it hard to defend dis. A situation where virtually evrytin has bn taxed n followed wit dramatic price increase. One wonders whose interest dis current govt is protecting.

Imagine NCC (a regulator) ordering telcos to embark on such an increase. Pls wat stake does NCC have in dis sector or r they simply tryin to impress sai baba d junketeer on revenue generation or wat.

Wch kain useless govt be dis. Tot buhari said he z for d poor.

they don't want us to keep criticising them on social media which is our only voice. they want to take our only "voice" away from us by making it unaffordable for us.

Useless nation

When i got the text from mtn, i was surprised !

I no go cry

Another NEGATIVE TESTIMONY of this evil administration.

No to Data cost increament

Sack ncc and minister of communications now


They are useless dimwits.

Government wants to steal from its citizens through hiking the price of data. Instead of subsidizing it. What a country!

This government is so wicked and anti people not minding the suffering they have already inflicted on the people since this administration resumed office. The masses should be getting set to flush out this government and his cronies in 2019.!!!

Who said Buhari has no Brain, C'mon the guy has a working brain.

In my opinion, I think he is just bent on punishing Nigerians.

Or how can you explain the fact that he decided to let NCC hike the price knowing fully well that Nigerians only react online? Should this be successful , how else do you think Nigerian will react to all his mess??

A tactical action Indeed…


All this ppl saying MTN has sent them message, has anyone seen glo's oen yet? I know glo package will still be fair

Bubu is trying to clamp down on wailers, but God pass am.
If data becomes unaffordable, we'll resort to cheats. The networks will even back us indirectly, since they're not happy with the hike in data price.
Our 5GB 70 naira per day go start again next week. Heard from a reliable source.

It is GEJ's fault!

-CramJones

Ẹ no go better for who so ever behind this data hike of a thing.

Nigeria isn't worth dying for. *spits*

It is in the interest of Nigeria that Buhari kicks the bucket soonest

[size=13pt] I hope lightning strikes buhari dead tonight! [/size]

This is what a fellow Nigerian asked PMB in Twitter. As for me, it is APC govt trying to gag us.

The scary thing is that he still has over 2 years left. Naija has truly entered one chance. Yes, Pdp wounded this country by embezzling money with impunity but Apc are rubbing salt and pepper into the wound

when eva this cursed govt want to increase the price of commodities they would give an explanation dat only gullible minds would accept

first they increased fuel prices n said they r going to save money only for dem to ask for a loan of 30 billion dollars. where all the money wen dem save

next they increased tariff for electricity with the explanation that they want to improve power, power supply go worse there after

now they said they want to ensure a level playing field for smaller telecoms company. na wetin concern us. who dem help. if u want to go into a highly competitive business y not give ur consumers incentives to mak dem patronise you instead for making the populace pay dearly

every day I get to realise that the government is not the solution to the problem of this country, they are the problem

once again, docile Nigerians,we would swallow this bitter pill complaining n nothing would happen, our complains would only end here

leofab:
Useless nation

No ma. It's a nation with useless leaders and weak followers

I still don't understand why they would increase the cost of data join this recession period

Old news

abeg oooo they should consider other ways to generate revenue ooo edakun epp us


But if dem no greee....them go collet ×10 this one

eyeview:
It is in the interest of Nigeria that Buhari kicks the bucket soonest

very funny

Why u no kuku focus on Rice price increment only, anytime am hungry, na internet dey keep me busy and I no go feel ham, u come bounce on internet now, after dis now, u go dey charge person way get phone. #IRANU. #gerrout #Sufid fesident.

How come the Minister made a statement implying that Social Media is a 'Nightmare' to PR managers (including himself) and then the NCC forces operators to increase tariffs?

Is this an attempt to reduce affordability and access to Social Media?

Is this not backdoor censorship?


"Pleading not to be mentioned, an employee of MTN said, “What this means is that MTN, Airtel, Etisalat And Globacom will increase their data rates as from December 1, 2016. A data plan of N1,000 for 1.5 Gigabytes will now be increased to N3,000 at N1,000 per 500 Megabytes.”

#TheBillIsBack #NoToNCCBackdoorSMCensorschip

http://punchng.com/gsm-subscribers-pay-data-dec-1/

http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/215912-social-media-nightmare-pr-managers-lai-mohammed.html

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/05/senate-withdraws-frivolous-petitions-bill/

Not only about data have you hear that plam oil too is now 20k

How far is 2019 again?