Breaking News
Telecom regulator, the
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has slashed the cost of Short
Messaging Service (SMS) in the country from currently N7 to N4 per message.
Head,
Media & Public Relations, NCC, Mr. Reuben Muoka informed DigitalSENSE Business News today that the Commission has
set
a new price cap of N4.00 (Four Naira per message) for all domestic Off-Net
Short Messaging Service with effect from February 5, 2013.
He also said the
directive to this effect was communicated to the operators since January 3,
2013, but added that the Commission will not place a price cap on International
SMS at this time.
The directive, signed
by the Director, Legal and Regulatory Services at NCC, Ms. Josephine Amuwa,
stated the Commission arrived at the
new price cap after due considerations
of the submissions made by the operators at various consultative meetings.
She said having
evaluated and analyzed SMS traffic information provided by the operators, the
Commission noted that “there was a general recognition that the cost of SMS is
too high, especially in view of the interconnection rate of N1.02 (One Naira,
Two Kobo Only) for SMS as determined by the Commission in 2009.”
She also noted that the
operators had proposed a price cap ranging between N5-10 per message for Off-Net SMS.
The operators, DigitalSENSE Business News also
urged the Commission not to set a cap for international SMS due to the fact
that Interconnect rates for International SMS are outside their control as it
is terminated through international carrier service providers in various
jurisdictions.
Remmy Nweke/DSBNews
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