The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo in a press briefing yesterday said Nigerian Telecoms would increase tariffs if the government does not address their concerns.
Current situation
Nigerian Telecoms, MTN Nigeria, Airtel and Globacom, among others have threatened to increase tariffs plans in seven days if the Federal government does not find a solution to the concerns they raised.
Background To the Story
Top of the issues rocking the sector is the closure of over 70 cellular sites in Kogi State and its environs, as a result of the tax dispute between the companies and the Kogi State Internal Revenue Service (KIRS) under the authority of the Kogi State government.
This closure has reduced the efficiency of the telecoms service as workers are unable to access and maintain the sites. Other concerns by the companies include an increase in diesel prices, inflation rates and safety of telecom workers.
What they are saying
The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, said without government intervention in the sector it would force the telecoms to review prices to accommodate their concerns. He also called on the FCDA to grant Nigerian telecom operators the permit to build infrastructure around the country.
Implications
This dispute, if not resolved, can lead to a complete loss of communication in Kogi State, parts of Abuja and other states sharing boundaries with Kogi State.