Telecoms tariff hike: LCCI calls for robust digital infrastructure

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called for a robust digital infrastructure that will support innovation across all sectors of the nation’s economy.

The chamber made the call in its reaction to the recent increase in telecom tariff, issued on Monday, by its Director General, Dr. Chinyere Almona.

It is sad that the present operating environment in the telecommunications sector has become too expensive for the telcos to operate profitably.

The chamber, therefore, identified factors such as: rising energy costs, the increasing price of network equipment, inflation, and currency depreciation as some of those impediments that had  placed a heavy financial burden on the operators, making the increase imperative for telcos to mitigate the rising cost.

The business advocacy group noted that, while the hike might offer relief for the operators, consumers might have additional financial strain to grapple with, especially those in lower-income brackets.

The chamber, however, believed that for the nation’s one trillion economy, by 2030, to be achieved, there is the need for more investments in critical infrastructure to drive the much-needed digital revolution for growth.and development.

“Looking beyond the hike, the operators and regulators need to settle down into delivering quality services to drive operational cost efficiency for businesses and support the automation of government services.

“To remain competitive and continue to provide quality service, telecom operators must overcome significant challenges. Nigeria’s digital economy must be empowered to catalyze economic growth and the driver of innovation and possibilities. We urge continuous engagement with critical stakeholders to create a win-win scenario,” the Chamber argued.

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