Telecommunications subscribers in Nigeria are expressing frustration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for failing to address the ongoing issues with internet and call services provided by mobile network operators (MNOs).
The subscribers are experiencing unreliable internet connections, call failures, poor data service, fluctuating network performance, challenges with data rollover, unauthorized credit deductions, and incomplete calls.
It has been reported that three out of the four major MNOs in Nigeria have not met the industry standards for network service, leading to a decline in service quality.
In response to these concerns, the Association of Telephone, CableTv, and Internet Subscribers of Nigeria (ATCIS-Nigeria) and the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOM) have urgently called upon the NCC to intervene and ensure that subscribers are protected.
Sina Bilesanmi, president of ATCIS-Nigeria, criticized the NCC for overlooking the deteriorating service quality and highlighted the difficulties faced by subscribers, including dropped calls, inability to make calls, and issues with airtime balance after recharging. Bilesanmi emphasized that with the decline in service quality, it is unreasonable for the MNOs to consider raising tariffs without addressing the existing challenges.
NATCOM’s national president, Deolu Ogunbanjo, also expressed dissatisfaction with the deteriorating service provided by the MNOs and acknowledged their claims of capacity constraints as a contributing factor. Despite this, Ogunbanjo supported the MNOs’ request for a tariff increase but emphasized that any raise should be minimal to avoid excessive strain on subscribers and the industry.