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Mobile phone users are likely to pay more for on-net calls they make,
if a new directive from the National Communications Authority (NCA) is
implemented.
Citi Business News has gathered the NCA will soon roll out a new
directive asking all telcos to peg their minimum on-net tariff at 4Gp.
On-net tariff is what telcos charge their customers for calling other
numbers on the same network.
Though some industry players believe the move will promote competition
in the industry as well as protect smaller telecom operators, a number
of the telecom operators disagree with the move.
Speaking to Citi Business News Vodafone’s Head of External Affairs
Gayheart Mensah said the directive when implemented will only hurt
consumers.
‘If the NCA goes ahead with this directive it is the consumer that
will suffer, they will pay more for calls they make’.
According to him if retail pricing is regulated the effect will be
enormous on the consumer.
‘You are going to eliminate the low income subscribers from that power
they have to make calls and send text messages as well as use data.
This preposition touches the core of our bundles including vodafone
red, our supreme bundle etc.’
Citi Business News has however gathered Vodafone and Tigo have taken
the matter to the Electronic Communications Tribunal seeking to
prevent the directive from being implemented.
The tribunal is yet to set a date for hearing to begin.
Credit: Citifmonline
