Telecommunication prices in Nigeria are on the rise. Airtel Nigeria recently followed in the footsteps of MTN Nigeria by hiking both call and internet plans by 50%. This move came just a week after MTN implemented a similar increase. If you’re wondering what this means for you as a consumer, keep reading for a breakdown of the changes.
Why the Price Hike?
The price increases are part of a broader industry trend. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% tariff hike in the telecommunications sector. Both MTN and Airtel have adjusted their prices to reflect this new pricing regime. The goal is to support the ability of telecom operators to invest in infrastructure, which is expected to improve services like network quality, customer service, and coverage. Check my post here to get all the updated airtel data bundles
What’s Changed in Airtel’s Data Plans?
Airtel’s data plans have seen significant adjustments. The most notable change is in their cheapest monthly plan. Previously, Airtel offered a 1.2GB plan for N1,000. Now, this plan has been replaced with a 2GB plan for N1,500.
Here’s a quick rundown of the other changes:
- 1.5GB plan for N1,200 is now 3GB for N2,000.
- 3GB plan for N1,500 is now 4GB for N2,500.
- 4.5GB plan for N2,000 is now 8GB for N3,000.
- 6GB plan for N2,500 is now 10GB for N4,000.
- 10GB plan for N3,000 is now 13GB for N5,000.
- 15GB plan for N4,000 is now 18GB for N6,000.
- 18GB plan for N5,000 is now 25GB for N8,000.
One notable plan that remains unchanged is the 5GB plan for N1,500 per week. This plan continues to offer the same data allocation without any increase.
Call Rates Go Up Too
Airtel has also increased its call rates. The new rate is now 25 kobo per second, up from the previous 18 kobo per second. This hike will likely affect many users who rely on call-based services.
What Does This Mean for Consumers?
While the telecom operators argue that the hikes will help improve services, experts have raised concerns. According to Bismarck Rewane, CEO of Financial Derivatives Company, the increased prices may put more strain on consumers’ wallets. The price hikes could lead to reduced usage, especially among consumers already struggling with high costs of living.
Will the Hike Lead to Better Services?
The telecom companies are promising that the additional revenue will be used to invest in network upgrades and other innovations. If this is true, consumers could see improvements in service quality, customer support, and network coverage in the long run. However, it’s clear that many consumers are feeling the pinch, and whether the promised improvements will justify the cost increase remains to be seen.
Conclusion
Airtel Nigeria’s recent decision to hike prices comes on the heels of similar actions by MTN. While this increase is meant to support infrastructure investments, it could place a significant strain on consumers. As prices rise, consumers will have to adjust their usage or find more affordable alternatives. Whether the promised improvements in service quality will offset the price hike remains uncertain, but it’s something to watch in the coming months.