Call Rates to Reduce in April as NCC Slash prices for Operators

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has released a new set of interconnection rates for voice services for the country’s telecommunications industry which when in force will see telecom subscribers paying less for telephone calls.

Interconnection rate represents what operators charge themselves for allowing calls to be terminated on another’s networks and it is considered as very critical to the proper functioning of a competitive telecoms market.
 
NCC in a statement yesterday said that the termination rates for voice services provided by new entrants and small operators in Nigeria irrespective of the originating network shall be N6.40 from April 1, 2013; N5.20 from April 1, 2014; and N3.90 from April 1, 2015.

The termination rates for voice services provided by other operators irrespective of the originating network shall be N4.90 from April 1, 2013; N4.40 from April 1, 2014; and N3.90 from April 1, 2015.

The current rate, which is symmetric to all operators, is N8.2.

The new rate will replace that of December 31, 2009, which pegged interconnection rate for mobile voice termination at N10.12 for telecoms companies that had operated for less than four years in the country. NCW

The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), has announced a new interconnectivity rate for the country. The new rates which represents a downward review takes effect from 1st April, 2013.

The new set of interconnection rates determination for voice services for the country’s telecommunications industry which is as low as N4.90k is expected to be in operation for the next three years until further review by the Commission.

Meanwhile, MTN telecommunication has been fined N90 million for failing to meet up with the industry key performance indicators. The company has up to April 3rd, 2013 to pay the fine.

Mr. Tony Ojobo, Director, Public Affairs, Nigerian Communication Commission made the disclosure on Friday during public enquiry on the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) regulations.

Number portability enables telephone users retain their mobile telephone numbers when changing from one mobile operator to another. Though this is implemented in different ways across the globe.

Speaking on the new set of interconnection rates, Ojobo said the decision was arrived at after comprehensive consultations with various stakeholders.

He also said that they were informed by the depth of competition in the industry, while taking into consideration the position of New Entrants and Small Operators.

The Termination Rates for voice services provided by New Entrants and Small Operators in Nigeria, irrespective of the originating network shall be:

N6.40 (six naira forty kobo) from April 1st, 2013;

N5.20 (five naira twenty kobo) from April 1st 2014; and N3. 90 (three naira ninety kobo) from 1st April, 2015.

Ojobo noted that the review was a sign to show that the Commission was a sensitive regulator and has been listening to the yearnings of the people.

He also announced that the planned emergency centers will soon kick off with two pilot centers in Minna, Niger State, which is targetted to serve the northern part of the country and the Akwa, Anambra States centres meant to serve the southern part of the country. Both are to serve as a learning curve as more centres are to be opened afterwards.

He gave the emergency number as 112.

He also explained that the initiative which is expected to come up soon is being delayed by the issue of management.

Speaking earlier on the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) regulations, the Executive Vice Chairman, NCC Dr. Eugene Juwah said the service was being introduced into the Nigerian telecommunication market to act as an incentive for service providers to improve quality of service and customer satisfaction.

He further added that “these regulations will in addition create a harmonious level playing field for all operators.

The draft MNP regulations, he said were aimed at providing a regulatory framework for the implementation and operation of mobile number portability in Nigeria, which according to him, “will foster and strengthen the relationship between service providers in the country.”



-- The Nation