Nigeria: NCC unveils new termination rates for special numbers

Amended rates for 0800, 0700 take effect Nov 1

From November 1, Special Numbering Service (SNS) in Nigeria will begin a new tariff regime, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stated.

The SNS is a Value Added Service introduced into the Nigerian market in 2006 to make communication easier for companies and individuals, who would want customised and memorable ways of reaching out to them, such as 0700CALLNCC.

NCC said there are currently only 25 active licensees rendering this service, adding that the service became out of reach to subscribers due to charges by operators, and that revenue generation by the service provider(s) was also very poor.

NCC, in a document released on its website, yesterday, said this was due to high cost of interconnect tariffs and settlements on the 0700 and 0800 lines.

It stressed that the high charges to the subscribers, occasioned by high termination cost, discouraged the use of the service, which led to near collapse of the market segment.

To revamp the segment, NCC said it engaged relevant stakeholders, with a view to arriving at a Cost Based Determination that would address the challenges.

In the document, titled: ‘Determination of Mobile (Voice) Termination Rate for Special Numbering Services Segment,’ dated September 24, 2022 and signed by Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, the commission said:

“The tariff to be charged for the Non Toll-Free Number is N12.00.This is broken down as follows: Total Price/Minute = Floor Price + MNO Margin + VAS Charge + VAT =N6.40+N2.77+N2.00+N0.83 =N12.00

“The tariff to be charged for the Toll-Free Number is N10.75. This is broken down as follows: Total Price/ Minute=Floor Price+ MNO Margin + VAS Charge+ VAT =N6.40+ N1.40 + N2.00 + N0.75=N10.75.”

NCC said all operators must ensure strict compliance and seek approval of the commission, adding: “This determination shall take effect from November 1, 2022 and shall remain in force until reviewed/amended by the commission.

“The commission reserves the right to amend this determination at any time, especially where there are significant changes to the input parameters.”