Ben Bruce vows to fight increase in data tariffs

Ben Murray-Bruce, lawmaker representing Bayelsa east senatorial district, has expressed reservations over the proposal to increase data tariffs.

The Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) has directed mobile operators to initiate a new data tariff regime from December 1, 2016 in what is effectively a price increase.

In a letter to mobile operators dated November 1 and seen by TheCable, the regulator stated that the interim floor price for data services was 0.90k/MB for big operators, and that “this rate will subsist pending the finalisation of the study on the determination of cost based pricing for retail broadband and data services in Nigeria”.

Reacting to the development, Bruce vowed to tackle it in the red chamber.

“I will fight against this data in the senate. The NCC, as a regulator, should be directing that GSM firms reduce and not increase tariffs!” he tweeted.

“In my opinion, rather than direct GSM firms to hike rates, NCC should invest in free public wifi for the advancement of knowledge in Nigeria.

“It is very unjust for people whose fuel, power and GSM plans are paid for by the people to increase fuel, power and GSM plans of the people!”

I will fight against this data in the Senate. The NCC, as a regulator, should be directing that GSM firms reduce and not increase tariffs!!

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) November 29, 2016

It is very unjust for people whose fuel, power and GSM plans are paid for by the people to increase fuel, power and GSM plans of the people!

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) November 30, 2016

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In my opinion, rather than direct GSM firms to hike rates, NCC should invest in free public wifi for the advancement of knowledge in Nigeria

— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) November 30, 2016