NCC directs telcos to audit billings, cites data depletion complaints

NCC directs telcos to audit billings, cites data depletion complaints

The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) says mobile
network operators (MNOs) have been directed to audit their billing systems.

 

NCC said the directive was issued to address consumer
complaints about data depletion.

 

The commission made this known in a statement on Friday.

 

“Quality of experience takes into account all touch points
along the consumers’ journey in using telecom services from selection, through
onboarding, usage, support and even off-boarding,” NCC said.

 

 “This means that
consumers are empowered to make the right network selection, enjoy a seamless
onboarding into the network of their choice, enjoy quality service at fair
costs, receive responsive customer service and enjoy protected off-boarding
where they choose to leave the network.

 

“To address consumer complaints on data depletion, the
commission has directed mobile network operators (MNOs) to conduct an
independent audit of their billing systems and is concluding a consultation
process to simplify tariff plans.

 

“These initiatives would provide enhanced transparency to
the consumer.”

 

NCC TO TACKLE
INDUSTRY DEBT, MULTIPLE TAXATION ISSUES

NCC said it is committed to tackling industry debt issues
more seriously.

 

The commission said it has also embarked on critical
advocacy initiatives to address long-term challenges in the sector, “including
advocacy for designating telecom infrastructure as critical national
infrastructure, as well as successfully persuading over six states to waive right
of way (RoW) fees, even as he initiates discussions with more states”.

 

NCC said engagement is ongoing with the presidential
committee on fiscal policy and tax reforms towards addressing multiple taxation
issues in the telecoms sector.

 

Maida said to ensure that the industry is in line with
current realities, the commission is also undertaking a review of its extant
regulatory instruments and licensing frameworks.

 

TIJANI SETS TARGET TO
IMPROVE QUALITY OF SERVICE

 

NCC said Bosun Tijani, minister of communications,
innovation, and digital economy, has set a target to improve the quality of
service between 2023 and 2027.

 

The commission said a 50 percent improvement in the quality
of services (QoS) has been set for the end of 2024.

 

 “Acknowledging the
criticality of resilient telecommunications infrastructure to a robust digital
economy, Dr. Tijani’s Strategic Agenda 2023 — 2027 sets targets to achieve a 50
per cent improvement in Quality of Service (QoS) by the end of 2024,” NCC said.

 

The regulator said the target includes boosting Nigeria’s
broadband penetration rate to 70 percent by the end of 2025 and “delivering
data download speed of 25Mbps in urban areas and 10Mbps in rural areas by the
end of 2025”.

NCC said it is also working to provide coverage for, at
least, 80 percent of the country’s population, especially the underserved and
unserved populations by the end of 2026 and “to reduce the gap of unconnected
Nigerians in rural areas from 61 per cent to less than 20 per cent by 2027; and
to secure between 300 per cent to 500 per cent increase in broadband investment
by the end of 2027”.

 

The commission said three strategic focus areas have been
put in place by the commission; the areas of consumers, industry and licensees;
and the government.

Source: NCC directs telcos to audit billings, cites data depletion complaints

 - NigerianEye
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