Airtel Cites Rising Operational Costs for Tariff Hike Request

Airtel Cites Rising Operational Costs for Tariff Hike Request

By Fly Cable News

Airtel Nigeria has attributed its request for a tariff hike on calls, data, and other telecom services to a 300 percent increase in operational costs over the past 18 to 24 months.
In a statement, Airtel’s Chief Executive Officer, Dinesh Balsingh, explained that the telecom industry has faced significant economic challenges, necessitating tariff adjustments to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.

Balsingh noted that while operational expenses have surged, telecom tariffs in Nigeria have remained unchanged for over a decade, creating a strain on service delivery. Airtel, along with other telecom operators, has submitted a proposal to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a 100 percent tariff increase.

“For over a decade, tariffs have stayed static, even as operating costs have risen dramatically, increasing by over 300 percent in just the last two years,” Balsingh said. “Realigning our pricing structure is essential to maintaining high-quality services and meeting the growing demand for digital connectivity.”

The proposal aims to secure the industry’s sustainability while continuing to benefit Nigerian consumers, he added.

Earlier, it was reported that MTN Nigeria also submitted a similar request to the NCC, citing macroeconomic pressures. However, the NCC has yet to approve the proposed tariff hike.