The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a 50% increment in phone calls, data, and SMS services, effective immediately.

MTN, Glo, 9mobile and Airtel data, call will soon be increased. The networks are now expected to charge a minimum of N9.6 per minute for calls, up from N6.40, while the maximum permissible call charge will be capped at N50.

SMS costs are also expected to increase to N6 from N4, and the price of 1GB of data will rise to N525 from N350.

The NCC, in a statement released on Monday, January 20, disclosed the increase, clarifying that the approved adjustments, capped at 0% of current rates, are lower than the 100% increase requested by telecom operators.

The commission noted that the 50% approval seeks to balance the burden on customers with the rising operation costs that telecom operators face.

The NCC justified the long-awaited adjustments necessary to bridge the gap between operational expenses and current tariffs, citing the 2013 NCC Cost Study and recently issued 2024 guidance on tariff simplification.

The commission assured that these measures would empower operators to invest in infrastructure and innovation, promising enhanced network quality, improved customer service, and broader coverage.