Tariff hike: Airtel raises data and call rates amid rising operational costs

DDM News

Airtel Nigeria, the country’s second-largest telecom operator, has announced a revision in its data and call pricing structure

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) source, the company introduced a tariff hike of up to 50 percent.

The new pricing details were shared on the company’s website on Monday.

This price adjustment affects a range of data bundles and voice call tariffs.

It reflects the broader trend across the industry as operators contend with escalating operational expenses.

The tariff hike is a response to factors like inflation, forex volatility, and increasing telecom network costs.

Airtel has yet to issue an official public statement regarding the adjustment.

However, the change aligns with the ongoing push by telecom operators for a tariff review.

This review is prompted by rising economic pressures.

Industry stakeholders have long raised concerns over the sustainability of telecom services.

This is due to inflation and fluctuating currency exchange rates.

Airtel, which boasts a subscriber base of over 56 million, has also increased its voice call tariffs.

These changes come as part of a broader industry-wide review of prices.

A senior Airtel official confirmed the tariff adjustments to the DDM on Monday.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the official said the adjustments were necessary.

The official explained that the adjustments were required to cope with rising operational costs.

“Yes, we have updated data prices today, and they are available on our website,” the official clarified.

“However, the increase is not up to 50 percent,” the official added.

Despite the increase, Airtel assured customers that the new tariffs remain competitive.

The company offers plans tailored to meet a variety of data needs.

Airtel’s revised pricing structure includes several new plans providing flexibility to customers.

These include daily and weekly data plans.

Some of the new plans include N50 for 40MB valid for 1 day.

N100 for 100MB valid for 1 day is also available.

N200 for 200MB valid for 3 days is another option.

More extensive options include N350 for 1GB valid for 1 day.

N350 for 350MB valid for 7 days is another plan.

The company also offers N500 for 750MB plus 1GB YouTube Night.

Additionally, customers can get 200MB YouTube Music/Spotify valid for 7 days.

N500 for 1GB plus 1GB YouTube Night and 50MB for Socials is also available.

Other plans include N1500 for 5GB valid for 7 days.

For Airtel customers, the tariff adjustments come amid competition with Nigeria’s largest telecom provider, MTN.

MTN has also implemented its own tariff hikes, affecting both data and voice services.

This follows approvals from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

MTN’s pricing revision, which took effect over the past week, has resulted in higher charges for calls, SMS, and internet usage.

Like Airtel, MTN cited similar reasons for the increases.

These include rising network expansion costs and challenges posed by the country’s economic climate.

The tariff hikes reflect a broader trend in the telecom industry.

Operators are reevaluating their pricing structures to maintain financial stability.

As inflation and currency volatility continue, these pricing adjustments are necessary.

The changes are part of a global trend in the telecom sector.

Telecom operators are adjusting pricing to cope with macroeconomic challenges, including inflation and fluctuating currencies.

In many countries, telecom operators face increasing pressure to balance affordability and investment in infrastructure.

MTN’s tariff hikes are particularly noteworthy, given the company’s market dominance.

MTN’s network coverage and large subscriber base mean its pricing decisions often set the industry tone.

The company emphasized that the tariff hikes are necessary to sustain its operations.

This will help ensure high-quality services for customers.

For consumers, the impact of these tariff hikes will be reflected in their monthly bills.

As voice and data charges rise, customers may need to adjust their spending habits.

They may also explore alternative service providers with more competitive pricing.

Airtel and MTN both assure customers that their new tariffs remain affordable.

However, many consumers are concerned about the cumulative impact on their telecom expenses.

The Nigerian telecom industry has faced several challenges in recent years.

Regulatory changes and network expansion costs have placed additional pressures on operators.

Telecom operators have had to make difficult decisions to ensure service sustainability.

The rising cost of services often impacts consumers, who must bear the brunt of tariff increases.

As inflation continues to rise, it is likely more tariff hikes will follow.

Airtel’s tariff hike is an example of how telecom operators are adjusting to economic pressures.

Other operators will likely follow suit, continuing to review their pricing structures.

The impact of these changes on consumer behavior will depend on individual responses to rising costs.

While operators strive to remain financially viable, customer affordability remains a key issue.

The future of telecom services in Nigeria will depend on balancing these two factors.

Operators will have to manage affordability for customers while maintaining business sustainability.

Airtel’s tariff hike is a clear signal of the challenges telecom operators face.

As the industry continues to navigate these challenges, the pricing landscape will likely evolve further.

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