Lawyer sues NCC, Telecom firms over planned data tariff increment
A lawyer, Kabir Akingbolu last Wednesday approached a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos to challenge the proposed increment in tariff of data by telecommunication companies.
The tariff increment, which was allegedly ordered by the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), was billed to become effective from December 1, 2016.
Also sued apart from NCC are: MTN, Airtel, Etisalat and Globacom Limited.
The lawyer said given the unambiguous provision of Section 4 (1) (b) of the NCC Act, the Commission was under a legal obligation to ensure and safeguard the protection and promotion of the interests of consumers against unfair practices including but limited to matters relating to tariffs and charges for and the availability and quality of communication services, equipment and facilities.
Akingbolu, in a supporting affidavit, said data, due to its indispensable nature, is provided freely in better economies of the world, while in climes that cannot afford to provide it free, data is provided at the most subsidized rate imaginable.
He wondered why the situation was different in Nigeria, saying that the increment came at a time the country is going through economic recession, and that if allowed to stand, it would not augur well, as life would become more frustrating for subscribers
