The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says it will simplify the process of tracking data usage for customers to improve transparency in the telecom industry.

NCC’s executive vice-chairman, Aminu Maida, said this at the 93rd edition of Telecom Consumer Parliament (TCP) on Thursday in Abuja.

The theme of the programme was: “Optimising Data Experience, Empowering Consumers Through Awareness and Transparency in a Consumer-Centric Telecom Industry.”

Mr Maida said that earlier this year, NCC analysed consumer complaints, revealing data depletion and billing issues as top concerns.

According to him, the NCC directed mobile network operators (MNOs) and internet service providers (ISPs) to conduct audits of their billing systems, which reported no major issues.

“However, perceptions persist due to two main factors: the impact of high-resolution devices and improved technologies on data use, and the complexity of operator tariffs,” he said.

On the issue of tariff complexity, he said the commission issued guidance on tariff simplification, requiring operators to provide clear and accessible information on data plans and pricing.

“In the coming months, operators will implement this guidance, presenting consumers with tables detailing their tariff plans, billing rates on each plan, and all terms and conditions related to the tariff plans,” he said.

Mr Maida said the goal of simplifying the process was for the consumer to be consistently satisfied with telecom services.

He said connecting base stations to the core networks of MNOs all played crucial roles in ensuring high-quality telecom services. 

“In recognition of this, the commission has revised its guidelines to include provisions that hold each player in the value chain accountable for quality service,” he said.

The president, Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adabayo, said tariff simplification would benefit consumers by offering more straightforward and transparent data plans that were easier to compare and understand.

He said simplified tariffs will inform customers of choices on data packages that suit them, as many have registered their displeasure about the rapid rate at which their data is consumed. 

“Our findings reveal that data depletion is often driven by the active use and activities of smart devices, many of which run in the background without the consumer’s knowledge,” he said.

Mr Adabayo gave assurance of the commitment of the industry players to transparency by empowering the consumers. 

The chief executive officer of Airtel Nigeria, Carl Cruz, said the company held the consumer close to its heart because they are the reason for doing business.

“The industry is highly capital intensive, and for us to improve service delivery, we must continue to invest in the sector.

“The debts that the banks owe us are really not helpful, but I thank the executive vice chairman for his intervention,” he said.

The chief executive officer of 9mobile, Obafemi Banigbe, said the issues were common, adding that most of the challenges customers faced were caused by power failure or cable cuts.

The representative of Consumer Advocacy Group, Olawande Wumi, underscored the importance of consumers’ awareness of their rights and obligations, especially at the grassroots. 

(NAN)