Not too long after it decides to hike data tariff, the Nigerian Communications Commission on Wednesday announced the immediate suspension of the plan.
If it had gone ahead with its decision, the new minimum pricing template for data services by mobile operators in the country would have necessitated more spending on the use of the internet by online subscribers in Nigeria.
Tony Ojobo, NCC
The director, Public Affairs at the NCC, Tony Ojobo, explained that the decision to rescind its earlier directive was to give room for further consultation with industry interest groups.
In the meantime, the Commission has already asked all operators to maintain the status quo until the conclusion of a study to determine retail prices for broadband and data services in the country.
According to Sahara Reporters, “Prior to the suspension, Nigerians had raised concerns about the impropriety of the decision by the government to hike the price of data at this time.
“Several Nigerians accused the NCC of insensitivity, considering the high cost of living in the face of the current economic recession in the country.
Social media users expressed fears the government planned to limit citizens’ access to the Internet.”
It is noteworthy to state that, in the wake of the proposed increase, the Nigeria Senate had earlier passed a vote asking the Commission to immediately halt the proposed Internet data tariff hike.